United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum by Diller Scofidio + Renfro
The 60,000 sq ft United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum features 20,000 sq ft of galleries, a state-of-the-art theatre, event space and café.
Inspired by the energy and grace of Team USA athletes and the organization’s inclusive values, the building’s spiralling form ensures that from the entrance to exit, visitors of all abilities can tour the facility together in a shared experience. From the earliest stages of design, the team consulted Team USA athletes, including Paralympic athletes and persons with disabilities, to ensure the most authentic and inclusive experience. The USOPM is considered one of the most accessible museums in the world and received the 2020 Grand Award from the International Association for Universal Design.
Judges comment:
This is an exceptional project displaying a high level of thought, care and detailing.
Jason O’Rear
Jason O’Rear
Jason O’Rear
Jason O’Rear
House of Wisdom by Foster + Partners
Completed in December 2020, the House of Wisdom conceptualises the library as a social hub for learning, supported by innovation and technology. The building creates a new publishing and research-based institution that seeks to be the catalyst for a new cultural quarter in the city.
Judges comment:
The earthy and light tones of the exterior and interior project a calming space whilst setting a stage for the striking dark tones of the core and interior courtyard.
Chris Goldstraw
Chris Goldstraw
Chris Goldstraw
Chris Goldstraw
Seattle Asian Art Museum by LMN Architects
A treasured historic building in a landmarked, Olmstead-designed city park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum’s expansion and renovation inaugurate a new era for one of the few museums in North America dedicated exclusively to Asian art. The project marks the first substantial renovation of the landmarked, Art Deco building since its construction in 1933. The expansion and renovation restored the historic structure, modernized the original galleries, and added a new gallery, education space, conservation lab, and community art gallery. The project preserves the building’s architectural legacy while enhancing the museum’s capacity to support its growing collections and fosters a more inclusive relationship with the Seattle community.
Judges comment:
Lovely restoration and carefully crafted addition to the museum.
Tim Griffith and Adam Hunter/LMN Architects
Tim Griffith and Adam Hunter/LMN Architects
Tim Griffith and Adam Hunter/LMN Architects
Tim Griffith and Adam Hunter/LMN Architects
Oakland Museum of California by Mark Cavagnero Associates
The Oakland Museum of California opened in 1969 with a backdrop of historic civil rights events. The brutalist landmark museum, designed by Kevin Roche was entirely enclosed by concrete walls surrounding the 4-block site. The program for the recent renovation was to “break the box” establishing new connections between the museum and the surrounding neighbourhood to promote more equitable access to one of Oakland’s premier public spaces and outdoor art collections.
Judges comment:
Commendable on the sustainable move in using native plantings in the gardens.
Tim Griffith Photography
Tim Griffith Photography
Tim Griffith Photography
Tim Griffith Photography
Tainan Public Library by Mecanoo
A home for discovery and learning, a library must be intimate, flexible and multifunctional while facilitating new possibilities. This library builds on this and takes from Tainan’s rich history. It is inspired by the local culture, becoming home to the city’s cultural heritage, modern art, music, films, over a million books and of course, is equipped with the latest technologies of a modern library.
Judges comment:
The red staircase makes a striking sculptural piece running through the project and connecting the various floors of the program.
Mecanoo
Mecanoo
Mecanoo
Mecanoo
DC Public Library - Southwest Library by Perkins&Will
The new Southwest Library will replace the existing branch library at 900 Wesley Place SW. The new library achieved LEED Platinum Certification for environmental design, integrating energy and water conservation strategies and environmentally responsive materials, sourced regionally.
An emphasis on connection to the surrounding community has shaped the design development process. The current design hopes to highlight the new park adjacent to the project, give a sense of arrival, feature a flexible plaza, be a sustainable site, maximize the connection to the outdoors and natural light.
Judges comment:
The library becomes not only a place of learning but a space that engages the community it sits within.
James Steinkamp Photography
James Steinkamp Photography
James Steinkamp Photography
James Steinkamp Photography
The Renovation of Ankang Library by United Units Architects
The renovated Ankang Library consists of two buildings: the North Building facing the street and the Main Building positioned in the centre of the courtyard. The design principle aim was to rejuvenate the old library into a new, open and welcoming community space, highlighting and creating a strong contrast with its existing context. Since its opening, the new library has reactivated the cultural life of the local community, and the number of daily visitors has increased from 10 people to 3,000 people.
Judges comment:
The juxtaposition with the old town of Ankang is special and memorable – I can imagine it being a set of community buildings that really give something fresh and new to the town.
UUA
UUA
UUA
UUA