IOC, IPC and IAKS launch 2017 international architectural awards

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) are calling for entries for their renowned architecture awards 2017.

The IOC/IAKS award is the most important international architecture award for sports and leisure facilities. It not only awards building design but also recognises the successful operation of facilities.

The IPC/IAKS Distinction aims to promote accessibility to sports facilities and all other buildings in order to give people with a disability the opportunity to practice or view sport without limitation or barriers.

Designers from all over the world are invited to apply with their most successful facility to win one of the awards.

Being staged for the 16th time, the 2017 awards will once again honour exemplary buildings and complexes that integrate sensible sustainability and legacy considerations, strong functional planning and exceptional architectural design. The competition offers six different categories to enter.

The facilities selected by the international jury will receive the IOC/IAKS Award in gold, silver or bronze and/or the IPC/IAKS Distinction. In addition to this, there will be a Special Prize for facilities remarkable for particular design features or particular exemplary characteristics.

Eligible to enter the 2015 competition are newly built facilities as well as extensions, modernisations, rehabilitations or conversions of already existing buildings and facilities in the public and private sector.

The facilities must have been erected and gone into operation between 1st January 2010 and 31st March 2016 and must have been in successful operation for at least one year.

Awards are presented for:

Major outdoor stadiums
Outdoor stadiums for competitions and events, e.g. for ball games, athletics and other uses - with large spectator facilities

Community outdoor grounds and public areas
Outdoor grounds, public areas, school and educational facilities for sport, leisure, recreation and touristic uses, e.g. for ball games, athletics, skating/boarding, urban trend sports - with small or no spectator facilities

Multipurpose halls and major arenas
Multipurpose halls and major arenas for competitions and events, e.g. for indoor sports and other uses - with large spectator facilities

Indoor facilities for sports, leisure and recreation
Indoor facilities consisting of several building components or as well of only a single building component for competition, training, trend sports, leisure, recreation and touristic uses - with small or no spectator facilities

Pools, spas and wellness facilities
Indoor and outdoor pools, combined pools, spas and thermal pools, wellness and health facilities, for sports, leisure, recreational and touristic uses

Specialised facilities for sports, leisure and recreation
Indoor and outdoor facilities for special sports, leisure and recreational activities, e.g. for Alpine and Nordic skiing, motor racing, mountain biking, canoeing, rowing, sailing, golf, equestrianism and shooting as well as beach sports, free climbing etc.

Competition entries must be jointly submitted by the designer and the client (or operator) of the facility. The closing date for submissions falls on 31st March 2017.

The Awards will be presented at the IAKS Congress, being held as part of the FSB (the International Trade Fair for Amenity Areas, Sports and Pool Facilities) in Cologne, Germany in November.

Click here for more information and application forms on the IAKS website.

Lower image shows the Milson Island Sport and Recreation Centre on the Hawkesbury River in NSW, designed by architecture firm Allen Jack+Cottier, a silver medal winner in the 2013 awards. 

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