MIPIM 2015 has nearly reached its climax and the annual Architectural Review Future Project Awards have been announced. Once again, leisure projects are showcasing some of the best new architecture globally.
The overall winner of the Architectural Review Future Project Award was given to the ‘Hanging Courtyards’ The Urban Design of Qing Xiang Historical Cultural Block in Changzhou (China) - Southeast University. The scheme used sustainable techniques as well as keeping an emphasis on public and open space.
Bjarke Ingels and his team at BIG picked up the Big Urban Projects award - for the aptly named ‘Big U’ or
‘The Dryline’ as it’s now known. This storm defensive development has been envisaged to protect Manhattan, New York, from future storm damage in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Ingels and his team have incorporated leisure and wellbeing wherever possible for the scheme.
GM Architects and their plans for The Museum of Civilizations in Beirut were awarded the Cultural Regeneration Future Projects Award. The proposed museum will be sunk into Martyr's Square in Lebanon's capital; it’s excavation like design would reveal a different layer of civilisation that once encompassed the capital, with the floor of the site submerged in water - representing the Mediterranean basin.
Winner of the Future Project Award for Mixed Use Scheme was Graft and Kleihues + Kleihues with their design for Eckwerk Berlin, Germany. This residential/ commercial project ties together living and working in a sustainable environment. A key feature of the design is the ‘experience path’ that connects all of project's elements together, encouraging social interaction.
Taking home the Retail and Leisure Future Projects award are Studio MADe, who have designed a hotel complex entitled ‘Self-Referential Frame’ in China. The intricate project consists of an hotel, featuring a lobby, restaurant, ballroom, library and rooms, split across three axis’ constructed like separate bridges. Each bridge has a different function – all are designed to respond to their surroundings and nature.
The Wall Stadium, designed by MZ Architects for Doha, Qatar, was awarded the Sports and Stadiums Future Project Award. The stadium's design is a one of a kind, with the main stand rising upright, contrasted with an underground pitch. It is thought the design will work well with Doha's extreme climate.
Belatchew Architects were given the Future Projects Award for Sustainability with their Buzz Building, a concept for self-sufficient protein production in the centre of Stockholm. The building will house insects that create protein, a restaurant, retail offering and much more.
As MIPIM draws to a close, and in preparation for the overall award winners announced this evening, it’s clear that leisure schemes have a fundamental part to play in our current and future built environment.
