2024 CATEGORIES
SECTOR CATEGORIES
PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE BUILDINGS
Award-winning architecture in publicly accessible
environments, whether performance spaces, galleries
or historic sites should create an unforgettable sense
of place, a true sense of community and be a joy to
use. Projects should show how new architectural
interventions or renovated structures pay attention to
their surroundings in design terms, with sustainability high
on the agenda.
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
Office buildings, industrial premises, restaurants, retail
outlets, hotels, shopping centres and other commercial
architectural projects should showcase a clever brand
identity as well as providing a productive and enjoyable
environment for end users. Projects should perfectly
reflect the client’s values and enhance its public image as
well as making significant inroads in terms of sustainability.
EDUCATION
Outstanding projects for universities, colleges, schools,
early years settings and training facilities should enhance
the educational experience for students, teachers, other
staff and visitors. The architecture should be inclusive to
allow for different learning styles, promoting collaborative
study while providing areas for more concentrated
academic work. They should make the most of natural
light and sustainable materials plus incorporating green
spaces.
HEALTHCARE
Best in class healthcare buildings from hospitals and clinics
to care homes and surgeries should prioritise patient
centred architecture, promoting healing and dignity and
enhancing the wellbeing of patients, medical staff and
visitors. Projects should create a supportive environment
that makes exemplary use of natural light, colour, greenery
and artwork to improve the quality of care, all while paying
due consideration to sustainability goals.
LEISURE
Buildings in this category from sports facilities such as
gymnasiums and swimming pools to large stadiums and
athletics venues should be memorable and engaging.
The architecture should create a warm welcome, bringing
people together while catering to a diverse range of user
groups. Projects should sensitively incorporate accessibility
requirements and promote sustainability
RESIDENTIAL
This category is given over to private sector multi-occupancy residential buildings including apartments
and student housing. What unites successful projects in
this category is awe-inspiring architecture that reflects
residents’ values and aspirations, creating a sense of
place and community and providing safe, comfortable
environments that engage with the surrounding area.
Quality of life for residents and climate-conscious design
are paramount.
TRANSPORT
Ground-breaking architecture for airports, seaports,
railway stations, bus terminals or other transport
interchanges should consider the functional needs of large
passenger groups to avoid congestion, while providing
a pleasant and easily navigable space for the individual.
Clear signage, comfortable waiting spaces, ample food
and beverage services, connection with the surrounding
environment and strong accessibility and sustainability
credentials are all essential elements.
MULTI-USE
Seamlessly integrating the various uses and typologies
within the architectural scheme is the ultimate aim for
projects in this category. Multi-use schemes should be
vibrant and integrated environments supporting a mix
of residential, commercial and leisure uses with a strong
sense of community, while also meeting the eco-friendly
priorities of the stakeholders involved.
PUBLIC REALM
Creating a safe and inviting public realm, which includes
places such as parks, plazas and pedestrian areas comes
from innovative architectural concepts that create
engaging places people want to visit and linger in. Projects
should reflect the cultural and social values of the local
community, consider inclusivity and accessibility and pay
due attention to ecological considerations.
MASTER PLANNING
Award-winning master planning demonstrates a clear
understanding of what it takes to create a cohesive
urban environment, which successfully caters to the
diverse needs and interests of various user groups.
Projects should showcase a ground-breaking approach to
placemaking, functionality and sustainability.
FUTURE PROJECTS
Future Projects in the categories of publicly accessible
buildings, commercial buildings, education, healthcare,
leisure, residential, transport, multi-use and public realm
should bring innovative architectural concepts to life,
demonstrating a well-planned approach. They should take
the viewer on an unforgettable journey of the intended
user experience including current and future needs and
clearly demonstrate the cultural, social and environmental
values of the client.
SPECIALIST CATEGORIES
HOUSE OF THE YEAR
This one-of-a-kind individual dwelling should demonstrate
a well-planned approach reflecting the owner’s priorities
and personality. The House of the Year should showcase
exceptional craftsmanship and the highest standards of
construction, while addressing environmental and societal
concerns with attention to detail throughout.
ADAPTIVE REUSE – BIG
Projects should show an understanding and appreciation
of the original historical and cultural significance as well as
deftly transforming the structure into somewhere fit for
purpose, harnessing the scale and seamlessly integrating
new and old elements. Retrofit schemes save on
embodied carbon but large-scale adaptive reuse projects
should go further in terms of reuse of materials, energy
efficiency and reducing waste.
ADAPTIVE REUSE – SMALL
Projects should maximise the potential of the existing
building within the constraints of its size. Entries should
show evidence of a creative and innovative architectural
approach. They should retain the original structure where
appropriate, reuse materials and sensitively introduce
newer elements and sustainable design features to meet
the modern-day demands of its users.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Entries should showcase a thoughtful architectural
approach to multi-occupancy residential schemes
intended for those with a household income at or below
the median in terms of housing affordability. Living areas
should be comfortable and adaptable with safe communal
spaces that encourage social cohesion and local pride.
Award-winning affordable housing schemes should
promote accessibility and inclusivity through high-quality
construction that balances environmental care and users’
wellbeing.
ACCESSIBILITY
This award celebrates architectural projects which
ensure everyone can access and use a space safely and
independently. This encompasses everything from ramps
and lifts to wider doorways and hallways, inclusive signage
and wayfinding, accessible WCs and also acknowledging
neurodivergent users in terms of appropriate lighting,
colours, patterns and materials.
FAÇADE
This award recognizes architectural projects with
exceptional exteriors. Award winning projects will have
aesthetic appeal while also offering a durable and
sustainable façade that pays tribute to the building’s
context and is in harmony with the surrounding
environment. The judges will be looking for outstanding
use of colour and/or imaginative use of materials such as
glass and timber as well as facades that respond to the
challenge of climate change and offer user comfort.
SMALL SPACES
Winning entries must show how the potential of
the site has been maximised to create well- crafted,
multifunctional spaces that work hard to cater to the
users’ needs, improving their quality of life. Small can
be not only beautiful but also functional, adaptable and
environmentally friendly.
BRIDGES
Outstanding bridge designs should be visually striking
and sensitive to their local environments. In addition to
satisfying structural, environmental and safety standards,
they should show a thorough understanding of materials
and construction techniques as well as traffic flow and
access. The winning project should be a showstopping
structure that captures the imagination.
HUMANITARIAN
This category is dedicated to architectural schemes that
focus on the needs of people and communities and how
design can improve quality of life for all. Projects should
understand the specific local challenges in terms of health,
safety, education and economic development through
meaningful engagement and design innovation with
measurable impact.
OVERALL SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE PROJECT
The winning project should stretch the boundaries of
what’s possible in sustainable architecture balancing
environmental, social and economic priorities. There
should be strong evidence of reducing the project’s carbon
footprint, minimising waste and maximising energy
efficiency, as well as raising awareness of sustainable
design principles and inspiring others to act against
climate change.
INNOVATION
This category celebrates all forms of innovation in
architecture, pushing the limits of what was presumed
possible in terms of construction techniques, material
specification and cutting-edge technology. In addition,
the judges will be looking for an innovative approach to
adaptability of use, the social impact of schemes and their
sustainability credentials
JUDGES’ AWARDS
The winners of any of the above pay-to-enter categories will be automatically entered into the below categories.
They are not open for entry, winners are chosen at the Judges' discretion.
OUTSTANDING PROJECT
The gold award winning projects from all other categories will be eligible to be considered for the Outstanding Project award.
EMERGING PRACTICE OF THE YEAR
This award recognises up-and-coming architecture firms
and gives them the platform to showcase their work on a
global stage. The category is designed for all firms under
10 years old or founded after 1 January 2014.
ESTABLISHED PRACTICE OF THE YEAR
This award recognises architecture firms and gives them
the platform to showcase their work on a global stage.
The category is designed for all firms over 10 years old or
founded before 1 January 2014.