The ABB LEAF Awards’ winners were revealed at a glittering ceremony in Berlin on 24 October. Featuring best new architecture, planning and development projects, this year’s awards saw a record number of entries across 16 diverse categories, including two new additions of ‘Best Arts & Culture Building’ and ‘Best New Start Up Practice’.
The finalists – from China to Switzerland – included buildings that are setting the benchmark for the international architectural community and included projects of all scales and complexities from across the world.
Key highlights of the night included Mozhao Architects for the Zishe Planting Pavilion and Planting Terrace, Shenzhen, China. The project’s aim was to provide a dynamic public space for workers, residents, teachers, students and plant lovers by reshaping green spaces.
Commenting on its headline partnership of the LEAF Awards Katrin Förster, ABB’s International Key Account Manager for Architects said: “The ABB LEAF Awards, which recognize the best in worldwide design, is a natural partner for ABB, reinforcing our commitment to the architectural and design community.
“Architects will always be designing the spaces we live in, but digitalization has completely transformed the tools they work with and the technology they implement in buildings, cities and our living spaces. Smart technologies are now an important factor in the architectural design process, which not only create welcoming, safe and secure spaces but also support sustainable and environmental commitments.”
The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Diller Scofidio + Renfro, a New York design studio that integrates architecture, the visual arts and performing arts. Founded in 1981, Diller Scofidio + Renfro has a focus on cultural and civic projects that address the changing role of institutions and the future of cities. Projects have included the design of the High Line and the transformation of the Lincoln Center in New York and the 35-acre Zaryadye Park adjacent to the Kremlin in Moscow.
Katrin added: “This was a great opportunity to recognize a leader that the judges believe has offered an invaluable and inspirational contribution to their field. With Elizabeth Diller and her office having been highly recommended for the past two years for their extraordinary creativity and expertise in architecture, Diller Scofidio + Renfro was the obvious choice.”
ABB has been at the forefront of accelerating progress in smart home technology for decades, with almost 5 million components of its connected ABB-free@home® system installed in over 40 countries worldwide. The company works in partnership with architects and the design community to fundamentally transform the individual and customizable functionality of buildings and ultimately the way we utilize, work and live in them.
Photos by Andrew Grauman 
Photos by Andrew Grauman 
Photos by Andrew Grauman
For a full list of the ABB LEAF Awards winners click here
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a technology leader that is driving the digital transformation of industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB has four customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by the ABB Ability™ digital platform. ABB’s Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com
