Emporis Skyscraper Award

Emporis Skyscraper Award. It was an annual architectural prize presented by the international building data company Emporis to recognize excellence in high-rise design and construction. The award was given to the best new skyscraper over 100 meters tall completed anywhere in the world during the previous calendar year. For two decades, it served as a prominent barometer of global architectural trends, celebrating iconic structures from London to Shanghai.

History and background

The award was established in 2000 by the German-based architectural data firm Emporis, which maintained one of the world's largest databases of building information. Its creation coincided with a global boom in skyscraper construction, particularly in emerging economic powerhouses across Asia and the Middle East. The inaugural award recognized the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt, a pioneering example of ecological high-rise design. Over the years, the competition chronicled the evolution of architectural styles, from the neo-futurism of The Gherkin in London to the daring engineering of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The award's history reflects the shifting geographical and technological frontiers of skyscraper development, with notable clusters of winners arising from cities like Rotterdam, Singapore, and Sydney.

Selection criteria and jury

Eligibility was strictly limited to buildings over 100 meters in height that had achieved full completion and occupancy within the award year. The selection process was conducted by an international jury of experts, typically comprising renowned architects, prominent engineering professionals, and influential architectural critics from publications like The Architectural Review. The jury evaluated nominees based on a comprehensive set of criteria that emphasized aesthetic and functional design, innovative use of materials, sustainable construction practices, and successful integration with the surrounding urban planning context. The rigorous process aimed to identify projects that not only achieved visual distinction but also advanced the art and science of building tall.

Notable winners and statistics

The award's roster of winners includes many of the 21st century's most celebrated landmarks. The 30 St Mary Axe in London, designed by Foster and Partners, won in 2004, while the twisting Turning Torso in Malmö, by Santiago Calatrava, was honored in 2005. Later winners showcased the rise of supertall and megatall structures, such as the Shanghai Tower in China and the aforementioned Burj Khalifa. Geographically, Europe and Asia dominated the winners' list, with multiple awards going to projects in the Netherlands, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. A statistical analysis reveals a trend toward increasingly complex, mixed-use towers that combine residential, hotel, and office functions within a single, sculptural form.

Impact and reception

Within the global architectural community, the award was regarded as a significant and credible accolade, often bringing international attention to both the winning building and its design team. Recognition could enhance the profile of architectural firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Zaha Hadid Architects, and was frequently cited in industry publications such as Dezeen and ArchDaily. For host cities, a winning skyscraper often became a symbol of economic vitality and cultural ambition, boosting civic pride and tourism. The award's focus on completed, occupied buildings, as opposed to mere designs, lent it a practical authority that was widely respected by professionals in real estate development and urban design.

Discontinuation and legacy

The final award was presented in 2019 for buildings completed in 2018, with the winner being the Bosco Verticale-inspired Oasia Hotel Downtown in Singapore. The discontinuation of the award followed the acquisition of its parent company, Emporis, by the commercial real estate platform Costar Group in 2020. Despite its end, the award's legacy endures through its comprehensive archive of two decades of exemplary high-rise architecture, which continues to serve as a valuable resource for historians and students. Its criteria and jury selections helped to define and promote international standards for sustainable and human-centric skyscraper design, influencing subsequent awards and discussions within the field.

Category:Architecture awards Category:Skyscrapers Category:Real estate awards