Architizer’s core mission is to empower architects. Through its inspiring content, building-product marketplace, awards programmes, and vast online reach, the organisation connects designers with the tools they need to build better buildings, better cities, and a better world.
This week, the winners were announced for Architizer’s inaugural annual A+Firm Awards – a new prize created to spotlight the designers behind the world’s best buildings and spaces. A huge range of consulting firms participated in the inaugural season, with some 400 firms – hailing from 50 countries across six continents – submitting portfolios for consideration. From far-flung, relatively unknown studios, to some of the industry’s most illustrious names, the winning firms illustrate the diverse talent designing and delivering incredible architecture today.
The 2021 winners include Foster + Partners (Best XL Firm), Neri&Hu Design and Research Office (Best Large Firm), Koichi Takada Architects (Best Medium Firm), Shulin Architectural Design (Best Small Firm) and OFFICE OFF COURSE (Best Young Firm).
In keeping with Architizer’s mission to democratise architecture and highlight innovation, dedicated prizes were also given for firms responding to evolving global challenges, including the constructions of memorials in the 21st century, as well as new cultural centres connecting urban communities. These were awarded to MASS Design Group (Best Humanitarian Architecture), Mecanoo (Best Cultural Architecture), Department of ARCHITECTURE Co. (Best in Asia) and Koffi & Diabaté Group (Best in Africa).
As Charles Renfro, Director at Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and juror for the 2021 awards notes: “The A+Firm Awards reveals that design need not exclude sustainability, access, and equity. It was heartening to see these principles seamlessly embedded in the firms’ work without sacrificing thrilling formal solutions.”
The 9th edition of the Architizer A+ Awards are open for entries until 23 April. For more information, click here.
Credits:
1. Neri&Hu – Aranya Art Center. Photo credit: Pedro Pegenaute.
2. Koichi Takada Architects – National Museum of Qatar Gift Shops. Photo credit: Tom Ferguson.
3. Neri&Hu – New Shanghai Theatre. Photo credit: Pedro Pegenaute
4. Foster + Partners – Bloomberg. Photo credit: Nigel Young/Foster + Partners.
