Celebrating architectural visions of the future for sustainable buildings at the ABB LEAF Awards

• Awards go from strength to strength with record number of entries

• Highlights on the night included Lifetime Achievement award presented to Ms Francine Houben

The ABB Leading European Architecture Forum (LEAF) Awards’ winners were unveiled last night at a ceremony in London with around 200 guests in attendance and a live-stream beamed to a worldwide audience.

Following the postponement of last year’s ceremony, the ABB LEAF awards returned stronger than ever. An internationally acclaimed judging panel oversaw a record number of entries from right across the globe. These included projects from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, USA, Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea and Turkey.

Held at the prestigious Nobu in London’s Portman Square, the awards celebrated outstanding achievement in 18 categories including Best Public Building Project, Best Tall Building, Most Innovative and Impactful Design of Engineering or Technology, and Best Achievement in Environmental Performance.

Oliver Iltisberger, President, ABB Smart Buildings Division presented the award for Best Commercial Building which went to UNK Project, "Academic" Business Center, Russia, Moscow.

Commenting on its headline partnership of the LEAF Awards Oliver Iltisberger said “As headline partners of the LEAF awards for the past five years, ABB is proud to honor architectural visions of the future, and the innovative adoption of technologies that enhance our quality of living.

“This year’s awards have once again highlighted the vital role that sustainability plays in outstanding architecture. ABB is proud of the role we play in supporting architects in realizing their unique vision of buildings aesthetically, functionally and sustainably.”

The ABB LEAF Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Ms Francine Houben. Francine is Founding Partner and Creative Director of Mecanoo architecten. Her work ranges from theatres, museums and libraries to neighbourhoods, housing and parks. Each design is founded on observation of people, location, culture and climate.

Speaking about the awards, Katrin Foerster, International Key Account Manager – Architects at ABB said “We are delighted to present our bespoke awards to all our winners. Made from reclaimed oak, these naturally beautiful tactile awards were upcycled in Germany from the legs of oak tables and are free from any lacquer, paint or chemicals. Created by Dörte Thinius, ABB Chief Designer, the award design is the perfect embodiment of our mission to zero carbon emissions and a more sustainable future.”

ABB has been at the forefront of accelerating progress in smart building technology for decades. The company works in partnership with architects and the design community to understand their requirements from conception and design through to practicality and functionality. This collaborative approach fundamentally transforms the individuality and customizable functionality of buildings, and ultimately the way we utilize, work and live in them.

ABB’s Frozen Music video series celebrates the very best in international architecture

https://new.abb.com/buildings/frozen-music

About the ABB LEAF Awards

For 20 years, the Leading European Architecture Forum has been bringing together senior decision makers from leading international architectural practices, contractors, developers, engineers, interior designers, government officials and supplier partners to discuss future building projects, as well as share ideas and best practice within the industry.

About ABB

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB’s Electrification Business Area is a global leader in electrical products and solutions, operating in more than 100 countries, with over 200 manufacturing sites. Our 50,000+ employees are dedicated to transforming how people live, connect and work by delivering safe, smart and sustainable electrification solutions. We are shaping the future trends of electrification, differentiating through technological and digital innovation while delivering an outstanding experience through operational excellence for our customers across utilities, industry, buildings, infrastructure and mobility. go.abb/electrification