Developing new ideas to deal with environmental problems, with our climate and our natural resources is one of the most important global challenges we are facing today. Growing cities, infrastructure and mobility issues are confronting us with new questions for which new answers and strategies have to be found. Architecture, regional planning and urbanism play a crucial role in this context. Under the direction of the French architect Françoise-Hélène Jourda, the Department of Spatial and Sustainable Design at the Vienna University of Technology has been educating tomorrow’s architects and planners for more than ten years – with special attention to sustainability. The students are given a deeper understanding of sustainability during the design process, they are asked to develop innovative projects, which account for our responsibility for future generations.

Blue Award 2012: International Student Competition for Sustainable Architecture
Topic: Sustainability in architecture, regional planning, and urbanism

Together with the Society of Architecture and Spatial Design, the Department of Spatial and Sustainable Design at the Vienna University of Technology is holding a biennial international contest for students – the BLUE AWARD. Awards will be given to selected works that examine the issue of sustainability in architecture, regional planning, and urbanism. The first BLUE AWARD was held in 2009.  163 projects from 86 faculties and architecture schools spread across 49 countries were submitted. The aim of this contest is to promote the subject of sustainability, to introduce it in the education of future architects, regional planners and urbanists, and to support the efforts of teachers and students in this field.

The kickoff-event of May 31, 2011 (11:00 am) at the Vienna University of Technology (Kuppelsaal) gives the winners of the first competition the opportunity to present their works – some of their designs were built. In February 2012, a jury of international experts (including honorary chair Sir Michael Hopkins) will give out the award in three categories. The prize is worth 20.000 Euros. The award ceremony will take place on April 26, 2012 at the Vienna University of Technology. In a special exhibition and a printed publication, the best award entries will be presented.

International Jury
Honorary President:  Sir Michael Hopkins [UK]
Members: Albert Dubler [F], Dominique Gauzin-Müller [F], Rudolf Scheuvens [D], Dominique Alba [F], Nikos Fintikakis [Gr]


Further Information
Dr. Claudia Maria Walther,
Dr. Anton Kottbauer
Department of Spatial and Sustainable Design
Vienna University of Technology
Karlsplatz 13/253-3, 1040 Wien,
T +43 1 58801-253 301
office@blueaward.at