Architectural Record Annual Volume 1/2006

Author: Editorial Board of "Architectural Record Annual"
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: Ten years ago, "Architectural Record" and its sister publication "Business Week" jointly established an award to honor architects and owners who collaboratively created great buildings. This initiative achieved tremendous success, bringing a series of innovative architectural works to the forefront. These projects not only fulfilled the missions assigned by their owners but also represented a diverse range of clients, from private enterprises to government agencies and cultural organizations. The winning projects demonstrate that good architectural design can help companies increase profits, governments improve efficiency, and cultural organizations gain popularity. Therefore, we say, "Good design creates good value"—and we don’t just mean in terms of RMB or USD.
The winning projects are spread across China, from Lijiang and Chongqing to Shenzhen and Beijing. Their architects come from both China and the world; their types range from small schools built with local stone to modern glass-steel office buildings. But they share a common philosophy: viewing design as an investment rather than a mere expense. At the same time, they also tell us how crucial and beneficial it is for architects and owners to work closely together. They should come together to rethink some fundamental concepts in architecture and explore new ways to address the challenges of the design process.