The Typology, Plus and Sustainability Categories

• The Jury will evaluate these projects based on the following criteria:

• Form
  Form is the visible shape and configuration of the project. The jury will consider how the project’s built-form manifests the stated intent through innovative materiality, shape, spatial organization, detailing, etc. The project’s form should have a clear stance on its relationship to its surroundings, its users and the public at large. It isn’t enough to be beautiful – the form’s response to its site, audience and intent should be recognizable and relevant.

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• Function
  Function refers to achieving the purpose for which the project is intended, including for its client, users, and the public at large. This is frequently a complex and long list of requirements that can range from the simple (shelter) to the arcane (particular social interactions, sustainability practices). The jury will refer to the project’s description to understand its functional goals. Projects that work well for their intended use – in particular those that exceed programmatic, environmental, or organizational goals – will score high marks in this area.

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• Impact
  Architecture is a relentlessly forward-looking field that must embrace new technologies and shifting social and demographic trends with curiosity and eagerness. Projects that take a fresh approach, work to improve existing practices, and push material and conceptual boundaries are considered most impactful. Impact can be measured in a multitude of ways, including environmental, material, social, and professional, and high scores will be given to those projects that place emphasis on their potential for positive change. Both short-term, immediate impact and long-term, potential impact will be taken into consideration.

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• Please note that entries in the Sustainability Categories must also meet the minimum eligibility requirements described in our Eligibility & Guidelines page.

The Firm Categories

• The Jury will evaluate these projects based on the following criteria:

• Aesthetics
  Aesthetics encompass the visual language of a firm’s work. The jury will consider how a firm’s portfolio of projects manifests their stated intent through innovative materiality, form, spatial organization and detailing. Each project’s aesthetics should be driven by its relationship to its context, its users and the public at large. It isn’t enough to be beautiful – the best projects will display aesthetics that respond to the unique nature of each site and their respective users, and their visual qualities should be both intentional and well executed. Firms able to demonstrate elegant detailing, well considered spatial transitions and a nuanced understanding of materials will score highly in this area.

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• Innovation
  Architecture is a relentlessly forward-looking field that must embrace new technologies and shifting social and demographic trends with curiosity and eagerness. The jury will reward pioneering firms that are forging new paths in their industry, whether it be through material innovation, formal experimentation and/or explorative construction processes. Versatile firms that possess the ability to innovate within a range of different project scales, typologies, geographies, social considerations and/or budgets will score highly in this area. Firms that are rethinking typologies and testing new design concepts to address contemporary challenges of our world.

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• Impact
  In the face of unprecedented global challenges, the impact of the built environment is more crucial than ever. Firms whose work prioritizes the health and wellbeing of people and the wider environment are considered most impactful. Impact can be measured in a multitude of ways, including environmental, material, social, and professional, and high scores will be given to firms that place emphasis on designing for positive change. Both short-term, immediate impact and long-term, potential impact will be taken into consideration. Firms will also be scored on how well their body of work represents their company's principles, philosophy and/or their unique vision for improving the built environment and/or the industry itself through their creative processes.

Timeline

• Below is a timeline of the upcoming 12th A+Awards program:

  12th Annual A+Awards Open For Entries	October 9, 2023
  Early Entry Deadline	November 3, 2023
  Main Entry Deadline	December 15, 2023
  Final Entry Deadline	January 26, 2024
  Extended Entry Deadline	February 23, 2024
  Jury and Public Voting	April/May 2024
  Winners Announced	June 2024