2016 marks a huge year for democracy, and we’re not just talking about that US presidential election. Architizer’s A+Awards sets itself apart from other prominent architecture award programs by giving everyone a say on the world’s best buildings — and public voting for the fourth annual competition is officially open!
While the Pritzker Prize jury — a select group of architects and critics with their own agendas — huddles in a darkened room to choose a single recipient, the A+Awards celebrates the opinions of a public that lives, works and plays within architecture every single day. Every vote is equal, so as you select your favorite project from the shortlist, your voice is heard as loudly as Lord Peter Palumbo’s, Glenn Murcutt’s and Richard Rogers’s. After all, you don’t need to be a Pritzker juror to be inspired by great design and the people behind it.
With this in mind, we’re asking you to take back architecture. Vote now and celebrate the most amazing projects on the planet — together with those that worked so hard to bring them to reality. Here’s a sneak-peek of what awaits you on our most exciting shortlist yet …
© Dirk Weiblen
Fushengyu Hotspring resort by AIM Architecture, Sichuan, China — shortlisted in the Architecture +Water category
Fogo Island Artist Studios by Saunders Architecture, Newfoundland, Canada — shortlisted in the Architecture +Art category
Shinsegae International by Olson Kundig Architects, Seoul, South Korea — shortlisted in the Commercial Office – Mid Rise category
© Nacasa & Partners inc.
Sayama Forest Chapel by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP,Tokorozawa, Japan — shortlisted in the Cultural Religious Buildings & Memorials category
Great Wall of WA by Luigi Rosselli Architects, Western Australia, Australia — shortlisted in the Residential Multi Unit Housing – Low Rise category
Harbin Opera House by MAD, Harbin, China — shortlisted in the Cultural Hall / Theater category
Thread Artists’ Residency by Toshiko Mori Architect, Sinthian, Senegal — shortlisted in the Cultural Pavilions category
Naman Retreat Pure Spa by MIA Design Studio, Da Nang, Vietnam — shortlisted in the Hospitality Health Care & Wellness category
Messner Mountain Museum Corones by Zaha Hadid Architects, South Tyrol, Italy — shortlisted in the Cultural Museum category
Now, it’s over to you. Go to our simple-to-use online ballot, vote for your favorite building in each category and tell everyone you know to do the same. The more votes cast, the closer we can get to a true reflection of great design today!
Our virtual ballot box is open until April 1st. Go here to cast your vote (it’s 100% free and quick to do!) and head this way to check out all of this year’s fantastic finalists.