Every year, design competitions unwittingly push the creative envelope, setting new benchmarks for architects and designers worldwide. These contests don’t just celebrate innovation—they fuel it, inspiring the next wave of boundary-breaking projects. Thanks to such platforms, we get to witness the extraordinary fusion of beauty, ingenuity, and craftsmanship that ripples through the creative industry.
The German Design Council has certainly joined the fray, recently revealing the winners of the prestigious ICONIC AWARDS 2024: Innovative Architecture—and the results were nothing short of spectacular. This coveted competition honors the full spectrum of architectural and creative disciplines, from visionary spatial concepts and groundbreaking building projects to cutting-edge product design, remarkable brand communication, and inventive uses of materials.
This year saw 540 entries from 36 countries, with 55 projects rising above the rest to claim the coveted ‘Best of the Best’ title. Among the many standout winners, Tatiana Bilbao Estudio claimed “Architects of the Year” while Norm Architects took home the honor for “Interior Designers of the Year”. Meanwhile, the small German city Neuenburg am Rhein won the ‘Architects’ Client of the Year’ prize for the ‘Areal Kronenrain’. The award ceremony, held in early October at the BMW Welt in Munich, ran parallel to the EXPO REAL real estate trade fair. Yet, long after the applause faded, the impact of the winning designs continues to resonate.
‘It was impressive to see the immense potential of groundbreaking designs that provide answers to current questions in contemporary architectural discourse.’ – Lutz Dietzold, Managing Director of the German Design Council, describing the work of the award winners.
Special Prize Architects of the Year Award: Tatiana Bilbao Estudio
Founded in Mexico in 2004, Tatiana Bilbao Estudio has been reshaping architecture with a social conscience, delivering projects that address real-world challenges. From the eye-catching ‘Estoa‘ institute building for the University of Monterrey to the Botanical Gardens in Culiacan and the S’ea of Cortez Research Center’ in Mazatlán, Tatiana Bilbao and her team have consistently pushed the boundaries. Their modular, low-cost housing prototypes are quick to build, yet rich in innovation, standing out for their distinctive collage-style visualizations. Among their current projects, you can find Porte de Montreuil infill development in Paris and the Maria Friedenshort convent in Brandenburg, built on a former Stasi site.
Special Prize Interior Designers of the Year: Norm Architects
As you step into their interiors, Norm Architects unveils a passion for minimalist product design and carefully composed, holistic concepts. Founded in Copenhagen in 2008, their style embodies the Scandinavian spirit, blending natural materials with elegantly balanced furniture. Iconic projects like Äng wine restaurant in Halland and the Heatherhill Beach House in Vejby showcase their ability to craft sensually charged spaces. Beyond interiors, the team also designs furniture, lighting, and objects for international brands. ‘Norm Architects are known for their extraordinary sensitivity to location and their ability to create outstanding atmospheric spaces and spatial structures,’ praised the jury. Their use of materials such as wood, clay and natural stone creates an atmosphere of security and grounding.
Honorary award Architect’s Client of the Year: Neuenburg am Rhein
Nestled between Germany, Switzerland, and France, the small town of Neuenburg am Rhein has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to Berlin-based MONO Architekten. Their design seamlessly connects the town with the nearby Rhine and surrounding landscape. A standout feature is the 36-meter-high tower of red tamped concrete, a bold addition to this locale. It forms part of ‘Areal Kronenrain’, an ensemble that includes a multi-storey car park, plaza, viewing platform and bridge.
‘It takes courage. That is the only way to create contemporary landmarks with identity-forming value. This has been achieved with the Kronenrain site in Neuenburg am Rhein. Together with the architects, the city has realized an impressive gesture that is absolutely worthy of emulation,’ concluded the ICONIC AWARDS jury.
To pique your curiosity further, here’s a sneak peek at some of the other standout projects that secured their place among the 55 winners.
The ICONIC AWARDS not only recognize brilliance but also raise the bar for the entire industry, showcasing a dazzling array of innovation that leaves us eagerly anticipating next year’s creations.