Jury Chairman's Introduction
International Prize for Sustainable Architecture was introduced 20 years ago. It has always been inspired by the idea of creating new concepts and strategies for a better future for our homes and cities, with the ultimate goal of protecting our planet. This prestigious prize, awarded by Fassa Bortolo and the Department of Architecture at the University of Ferrara, requires visionary thinking and trust in the power of architecture. Architects and designers around the world are invited to use innovative ideas and intelligent strategies in their projects to showcase new approaches to tackling climate challenges:
- How nature makes its way into the constructed world and re-establishes its dominance.
- How every societal narrative shapes a new understanding of beauty and appropriateness.
- How new materials and the awareness of reusing components are affecting architecture.
- How new technologies and prefabrication are affecting architecture and thus addressing issues of social justice in housing.
- How the approach to historic city districts is changing (patchwork restoration and building on existing structures).
- How heritage-listed buildings can be repurposed.
- How abandoned industrial sites can be reactivated and given a new lease of life.
- How urban densification and depopulation affect society.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is still under development, but it is a serious tool with endless potential applications that will be available to everyone. It will challenge traditional architectural processes and inspire new design methods. With AI, the development of our cities as smart cities will continue in many areas. Only time will tell whether we can find new solutions to urgent problems with new technologies alone or if we need to return to the parameters provided by nature, which could involve studying landscapes, mountains, oceans, botany and species as the primal force of life.
The call for entries for the International Prize for Sustainable Architecture is also a commitment by the jury to honour projects that meet these criteria. Visions and unconventional ideas are at the forefront of the discussion. At the same time, the jury is seeking guiding principles to inform the future actions of building owners and architects. We are confident that the three winning projects and the honourable mentions reflect the jury’s discussions and meet these requirements.
The international jury, comprising members from Switzerland, Germany, Malaysia and Italy, first evaluates the 81 projects independently and forms its own opinion. Projects that do not receive unanimous approval are placed on the longlist. The shortlist is then compiled in two or three joint jury sessions, after which the honourable mentions and, finally, the three winners are selected.
Gold medal
Innovative model for urban expansion and housing construction. (Nantou/Shenzhen) China
Silver medal
Research project Living Lab / reusing concrete formwork (Stuttgart)
Silver medal
Landscape project/social project as a participatory process (Ghana)
The concept of sustainability is evolving and expanding every year in real time. New academic posts have been created at universities and technical colleges to address topics that extend beyond traditional architectural theory. These include a chair in ‘Architectural Behaviourology’, which focuses on the actions and behaviour of a responsible society; a chair researching ‘architectural heritage’ and the appropriation of artefacts; and a chair examining ‘affective architecture’ as a social programme.
Robotics and new methods of material recycling represent another step towards a promising future for the knowledge-based society of tomorrow. With additional knowledge and international networking, future generations of designers, architects and builders will be better equipped to address the critical issues of our time. This is also reflected in the diversity of the projects that were submitted and awarded prizes this year.
We would like to congratulate the architects and developers on their innovative projects, and thank everyone involved for providing such a diverse range of projects, which sparked challenging and interesting discussions among the jury members.
Marianne Burkhalter
Chairperson of the Jury
Members of the jury
Gerhard Hausladen – Germany
Ken Yeang – Malesya
Luca Rossato – Italy (Segretary)
