Calling all architects, landscape architects and interior designers: Architizer's A+Awards allows firms of all sizes to showcase their practice and vie for the title of “World’s Best Architecture Firm.” Start an A+Firm Award Application today.
Last Friday evening, the iconic Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris played host to the Architizer A+Awards Gala, a vibrant celebration of the world’s best architecture, in partnership with Material Bank. More than 350 leading architects and designers from around the globe were in attendance for one of the AEC industry’s most spectacular events, including live music, powerful speeches, team celebrations with the iconic A+Awards trophy and book, and a special appearance from none other than Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners!
On a remarkable night, Frank Gehry’s landmark cultural space was graced by an inspirational line-up of emerging architectural talents and established industry leaders alike. Six standout firms took to the stage to receive Special Honoree Awards, starting with the brilliant Hend Almatrouk and Gijo Paul George of Studio Toggle, winner of the Emerging Firm of the Year Award.
Emerging Firm of the Year Award Winners Hend Almatrouk and Gijo Paul George of Studio Toggle, and Revolution in Design Award Recipient Michael Green of Michael Green Architecture. ©Thiefaine Tiffeneau
On receiving the award, Almatrouk remarked: “When Architizer got in touch and informed us that Studio Toggle was chosen to receive this prestigious honour, my colleagues and I were in complete disbelief … Thank you, Architizer, for bringing us all together to celebrate everyone’s creation, dreams and passion.”
Almatrouk continued: “As a female-led studio operating against all odds in the small conservative country of Kuwait, I stand proud and hope to inspire more of my Architect sisters to keep the dream alive and fight for their aspirations.”
Lyndon Neri then graciously accepted the Firm of the Year Award on behalf of pioneering Shanghai-based firm Neri&Hu. Neri had inspirational words for designers across the Asian continent: “It is truly an honor to be given this award, and we do not take lightly the responsibility bestowed upon us with this recognition. We also want to take this opportunity to encourage other creatives in Asia to believe in their voices, be it individual or as a collective.”
Firm of the Year Award Winner Lyndon Neri of Neri&Hu. Photo © Alex Bonnemaison
The third Special Honoree hailed from Niger, with Atelier Masomi’s Founder Mariam Kamara accepting the Impact Award with a powerful, thought-provoking acceptance speech via video. “Working on ideas and concepts from my little corner of the world can sometimes be isolating, so this recognition makes me feel seen,” said Kamara. “It has been exhilarating to see that our work is being recognized, alongside that of industry peers, for its impact.”
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the night was the moment that the renowned Lord Norman Foster took to the stage to receive the Sustainability in Design Award on behalf of Foster + Partners. Paul Keskeys, Architizer’s Editor in Chief, presented the accolade, stating: “Foster + Partners have been chosen for their leadership in sustainable design, demonstrated through their emphasis on adaptive re-use, collaborations with environmental engineers, a published Sustainability Manifesto, and more … Foster + Partners is a true trailblazer for the profession.”
Sustainability in Design Award Winner Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners. Photo © Alex Bonnemaison
Upon collecting the award, Lord Foster celebrated the research-driven approaches that are driving sustainable concepts forward, and advocated for more compact, walkable cities. He also noted the A+Awards’ power in promoting the vital importance of sustainable design, saying: “It is award programs like these that play a crucial role in spreading the message.”
Finally, Michael Green, Founder of Michael Green Architecture, received the Revolution in Design Award, presented by Material Bank. This brand new accolade has been introduced to recognize firms that are taking radical and courageous approaches to tackling global challenges through their work. The moment provided a platform for Green to issue a rallying cry to the profession: “Tonight, the Revolution that we want to share is that we do not see this as an award for our firm. We see this as a moment for the future of architecture; we believe we are all Revolutionaries now.”
To this end, Green unveiled a brand-new industry prize, entitled the Architecture Revolution Prize — a $1M award for the most innovative climate solutions, laying the foundation to revolutionize the technologies and materials we build with. More details are soon to follow!
The Architizer A+Awards Gala at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Photo © Alex Bonnemaison
In addition to the Special Honorees, every Winner in the 11th Annual A+Awards was celebrated, with stunning projects showcased on the big screen throughout the night. The night also served as the perfect launch party for the 12th A+Awards season — which is now open for entries! The event also marked the much-anticipated launch of Material Bank Europe, bringing Material Bank’s unique sampling service to one of the AEC industry’s key markets.
“We are thrilled to expand Material Bank’s game-changing platform to the European market and partner with leading manufacturers in the region and beyond,” said Liz Margles, EVP & Head of Community at Material Bank, upon presenting the Innovation in Design Award to MGA. “Material Bank has fundamentally transformed the way design professionals in North America discover and sample materials and bring their design projects to life, and we look forward to bringing our innovative tools and services to Europe.”
The gala event space itself was enhanced with some standout features that reflect the program’s mission to celebrate innovation and sustainability. A custom-designed podium and tabletops throughout the venue were crafted from sustainably sourced plastics from the Good Plastic Company. In addition, elegant, reusable paper screens by Procedes Chenel formed architectural alcoves in which guests could connect and converse during the course of the evening.
Capturing a selfie with Lord Norman Foster was a popular gala activity! Photo © Alex Bonnemaison
The gala was a truly magical occasion, one filled with innovation, inspiration, fun, and — perhaps most importantly of all — hope. In this iconic space, multiple generations of architects and designers gathered to honor and celebrate one another’s work, while also acknowledging the need for change, evolution and even revolution.
This was a unique gathering of some of the industry’s brightest minds, and if it taught us anything about the state of our industry, it is this: Led by these extraordinary pioneers, the future of architecture is in good hands.
Congratulations once again to the Winners of the 11th Annual A+Awards, and best of luck to this season’s participants in the world’s largest architectural awards program!
About Material Bank
Material Bank is the fastest and most powerful way to search and sustainably sample design materials. Executing complex searches across hundreds of brands in seconds, architects and designers can find and order all the material samples they need in one place for free. Samples are shipped carbon neutral in a single box and delivered the next day. North American based designers can sign up as a member here. Material Bank has also expanded to the European market. Sign up here to become a member of Material Bank in Europe.
Calling all architects, landscape architects and interior designers: Architizer's A+Awards allows firms of all sizes to showcase their practice and vie for the title of “World’s Best Architecture Firm.” Start an A+Firm Award Application today.