Every five years, the City of Zurich presents the awards for good buildings. On 20 September, the award ceremony took place for the 18th time. This time, there were twelve awards, nine recognitions and one public prize. An interdisciplinary jury of 13 experts selected the best of the 117 buildings and outdoor spaces submitted that were constructed in the city of Zurich between 2016 and 2020, including new buildings, conversions and renovations, extensions, infrastructure facilities and open space facilities.

Erweiterungsbau Kunsthaus; Photo: Georg Aerni, Zürich

Erweiterungsbau Kunsthaus; Photo: Georg Aerni, Zürich

You can find out more about the award-winning projects Bucherer Flagship Store, Kunsthaus extension, Freilager Marktgasse, YOND commercial building, Gewerbezentrum Stiftung St. Jakob, Gleistribüne Zollstrasse Ost, Schütz-Areal, Rosengarten student residence, Metzgerhalle residential and commercial building, Schlotterbeck residential and commercial building, Waldmeisterweg residential building, Zollhaus and FOGO – Leben am Vulkanplatz (Public Award) here on the website of Züricher Hochbaudepartements.

Zollhaus der Genossenschaft Kalkbreite; Photo: Georg Aerni, Zürich

Zollhaus der Genossenschaft Kalkbreite; Photo: Georg Aerni, Zürich

From 20 September to 30 October 2021, the award-winning objects will be on display at the Architekturforum on Zollstrasse in Zurich. This is the first exhibition in the new premises of the Architekturforum.

The award-winning buildings were selected according to the following criteria:

  • Urban Design and Architectural Heritage:
    The object makes an outstanding contribution to the quality of the urban space and to the architectural development of the building cultural heritage.
  • Social contribution:
    The object offers a high utility value, contributes with its design quality to the identification with the living space and promotes social exchange.
  • Contribution to economic performance:
    The property enables productive development opportunities for a growing population through high-quality densification and innovative performance.
  • Responsible treatment of the environment:
    The project demonstrates careful use of resources, optimisation of energy consumption and low impact on the natural environment.