Design Awards

[ertley]

Are there any existing awards given out for best design and architecture in Charlotte? If not, I think it would be an amazing thing to start. Every so often I see a newly realized project here on UP that's so good, I think, "They should be recognized publicly for doing such good work."

I also think awards for design achievements in Charlotte would not only reinforce but further encourage better design and planning.

Is this feasible? I mean, if nothing else it could be something begun by UP... In that case, there could simply be a Topic created at a certain point each year--Nominations--delineating the criteria for each category. The categories should be well-thought out--for commercial buildings of specific square footage ranges and/or heights, for residential properties, both large and small scale, even (possibly) individual houses., along with awards for best urban planning. I know several UP-ers have actual connections to the design and development community in Charlotte and could really develop credible categories and criteria.  

There are so many people who are interested in design, in so many different ways, that this could really, eventually, if it took off, help coalesce not only conversation (beyond UP) but meaningful action for better design--through an informed, contributing and participatory community. 

This shouldn't be something that local developers initiate, though, because we all know it would be corrupted pretty quickly. 

 

 

[KJHburg]

I have long said we should have a beauty contest and the Business Journal does some awards as does the NC AIA chapter.   But it would be fun  for UP to do it and then publicize it in a publication such as the Charlotte Agenda? 

[tozmervo]

There are a variety of groups that do building design awards. AIA NC & AIA Charlotte both have annual awards. USGBC North Carolina, NC Preservation, IIDA Carolinas, and other oddball trade-related like the Brick Industry. There are probably lots of home design awards I don't know about, too. 

[navigator319]

There should be shaming awards too.

[Vitamin_N]

Should there be a separate "Hall of Shame" thread?

[videtur quam contuor]

This has been discussed here in the past. I recall specifically the Springhill Suites triangley building was a mention and then no topic was created as I recall so it drifted out of consciousness. It is worth mention among us to heighten our focus on useful design.

[lancer22]

45 minutes ago, Vitamin_N said:

Should there be a separate "Hall of Shame" thread?

We already have a Legacy Union thread

[CLT>]

In the UK there is the Carbuncle Cup for the worst building of the year. There are some doozies in there.

https://www.dezeen.com/tag/carbuncle-cup/