Shape’s diplomatic academy adds Architizer A+ Award to portfolio of accolades

07 Jun 2023

An international award-winning project

Photo credit: Phil Handforth

Shape Architecture Practice and Research has earned prestigious recognition with the distinguished Architizer A+Awards 2023 as the popular choice winner in the Architecture + Metal category. Alongside a series of other notable accolades, this further highlights their exceptional achievements in the field. With a diverse portfolio ranging from private residences to urban master plans, Shape's commitment to innovative design solutions has garnered recognition from clients, ministries, and government entities.

The award-winning project, the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, exemplifies Shape's visionary approach. Rooted in the Arab tradition, the facility expertly balances opacity and transparency, featuring inviting glazed portals and seamless integration with the surroundings. Shape's expertise in sustainability is showcased through a double skin façade, providing defence against solar heat gain, while diffusing sunlight for a captivating interplay of light and shadow. The central atrium fosters connection, complemented by wood-clad staircases and an engaging main auditorium, embodying Shape's dedication to cultural sensitivity and innovative, sustainable design.

Shape's notable collection of awards includes the Architizer A+ Awards 2023, Architecture MasterPrize 2022, Architecture Leaders Awards 2023, and Loop Design Awards 2022, across multiple categories. These accolades further establish their position as prominent figures in the architectural industry. With their transformative projects shaping the landscapes of major UAE cities, as well as locations across Africa and Europe, Shape continues to redefine architectural innovation.