VIA 57 West designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the International Highrise Award.
Beating a group of impressive finalists from Singapore and New York, the New York tower took home the EUR 50,000 prize and reputation as the world’s most innovative high-rise.
The 136-metre-high building, situated by the Hudson River, is a hybrid of a classical high-rise and a traditional European perimeter development. Under its steely roof skin, over 700 apartments are grouped around an interior courtyard with greenery. The “courtscraper” design offers all residents an unobstructed view of the river
“The project is outstanding in its interpretation of a New York block – this is what makes it really interesting,” said chair of the jury, Stefano Boeri.
As one of the world’s most significant architectural prizes for high-rises, the International Highrise Award is given to projects that demonstrate criteria of future-oriented design, functionality, innovative building technology, integration into urban development schemes, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
The four other finalists for the 2016 awards included Four World Trade Center, New York by Maki & Associates, 432 Park Avenue, New York by Rafael Viñoly Architects, Skyhabit, Singapore by Safdie Architects and SkyVille@Dawson, Singapore by WOHA Architects.
Cox Architecture's Metro Residences was the only Australian project to be nominated this year.
