The world’s first air-powered shading system for buildings, the world’s largest spherical structure, and the UK’s first major mixed-use, fossil fuel-free development have all made the shortlist for the Façade 2024 Design and Engineering Awards.
The awards, run by the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) and CIBSE, recognise excellence and achievements in façade engineering, raising the profile of, and drawing attention to the importance of this discipline.
More than 50 projects and products have been shortlisted across the 12 award categories, including the Las Vegas Sphere, a multifunctional entertainment space, which features 14,500m2 of LED screens, and is the world’s largest spherical structure. Also breaking records in the New Build Award category is the Arbor building, which is net zero in operation and part of London’s Bankside Yards estate set to be the UK’s first major mixed-use fossil fuel-free development.
As well as categories for New Build, and Refurbishment, the new categories for Digital Innovation and Special Structures UK and International have been introduced for 2024.
The Digital Innovation Award rewards the very best digital innovation product or project that supports façade engineers. The Special Structures Awards recognise smaller interventions such as a bridge, canopy or sculpture. The Special Structures International Award shortlist features the world’s first air-powered shading device, the Airshade, developed by Arup, in Masdar City, UAE.
Saverio Pasetto, chair of judges, said: ‘The huge diversity of projects in this year’s shortlist, from art galleries, to libraries, Grade II listed buildings, hospitals and entertainment spaces, highlights the wide-reaching impact of façade engineering in our spaces and buildings.’
The headline sponsor for the awards is Reynaers Aluminium. The awards will take place on 6 November at Old Billingsgate, London.
To view the shortlist in full, and to book your place visit: Society of Facade Engineering Awards (cibse.org)