Architectural gems sought

The Association of Suppliers of Metal Roofing and Facade Materials (MDG-NET) invites architects, contractors and concerned citizens/entrepreneurs in the Netherlands to nominate architectural gems with mainly metal aspects and compete for the prize for the most beautiful, unique building with metal. With the Architecture Award, MDG-NET wants to draw attention to the technical, sustainable and aesthetic quality of building projects where metal has been applied and give building with metal an impulse. Entries can be made immediately via the MDG-NET website.

The number of buildings in the Netherlands with metal roof and/or facade elements is very diverse. "MDG-NET has reinvigorated the Architecture Prize to show the 'world' that you can achieve great sustainable buildings with metal, both from an aesthetic and technical point of view," says jury member Niels Blauwiekel, in daily life director of Stalcor and M3C. "Metal has developed into a very durable material with long-lasting quality. It is also perfectly recyclable for reuse in a second or third 'life'." 

Four categories 

Architectural firms, contractors, facade builders, but also suppliers of metal parts know how to profile themselves excellently through such an award, Blauwiekel continues. "We give them a stage in every possible way through social media and trade media. However, this year's entries must meet a number of conditions. For example, the building must have been completed no earlier than 2016 and, logically, substantial use must have been made of metal roof and/or facade elements. Because the number of buildings with a metal roof and/or façade is very diverse, for this reason we can participate in four categories. In these, we distinguish Residential Construction, Industrial Construction, Non-Residential Construction and Modular Construction."

Review

In addition to Niels Blauwiekel, the jury consists of jury chair Christa Courage, owner of Courage interior and Courage architects, and jury member Cees-Jan Pen, an expert in the field of work locations and lecturer at the lectorate 'The Entrepreneurial Region,' a research group affiliated with Fontys College of Economics and Communication. "So the composition of the jury is extremely diverse, which means we are also able to judge buildings objectively and competently on different partial aspects. For example, Christa looks primarily at the aesthetic quality and Cees-Jan has a clear vision of the landscape incorporation, necessary sustainability and relationships between the buildings and the environment. While yours truly focuses mainly on the technical qualities."

The jury will judge the entries in each category on a number of points: usability (technical aspects), sustainability (environmental aspects, circularity and ecology), beauty (aesthetic aspects), living environment (landscape incorporation) and economic value. Entries can still be made all year until December 24, 2021. The winners of the MDG Architecture Prize 2021 will be announced in February 2022. The award ceremony will follow in March 2022 at a location to be determined. ζ