2017 Architizer A+ Awards
The Architizer A+ Awards are the definitiveglobal architectural award program, with over 100 categories, and are judged by apanel of more than 400 luminaries and thought leaders from fields as diverse asfashion, publishing, product design, real estate development and tech. Winners,jurors and VIPs gathered on May 11 at a red-carpet gala that is part of thethree week long NYCxDesign program New York City. Comprising diverse andinnovative global projects from starchitects to emerging firms, this year’swinners represent the best new architecture, interiors, and products fromacross the globe. For the third year in a row, Empire was at the helm to ensurethis event was a success.
The ceremony kicked off with a phenomenal andimpassioned speech about the Architecture industry by Architizer CEO MarcKushner who served as the evenings host.
"The A+ gala is more than just aparty. It represents a moment for us to stand up and champion our art, recognizingthe transformational role that architecture plays in our lives," said Kushner.
Luminaries from the world of architecture anddesign entered the industrial-style space to a red carpet and step & repeatwelcome, where event sponsor Sunbrella’s custom architectural installationwelcomed guests under an array of colored fabric. Guests enjoyed cocktails andpassed hors d'oeuvres by Cloud Catering along with ambient music played by DJJavier Peral, while enjoying the décor and enhanced atmosphere with a customCorian bar created by sponsor DuPont.
Attendees also enjoyed interacting with theBehr/Home Depot photo booth and extraordinary visual demonstrations of winningprojects by the virtualreality team at Graphisoft.
This year's biggest winner was Adjaye Associateswhich was named Firm of the Year, and other special achievement awards werepresented to Koray Duman, Tatiana Bilbao, Carlo Ratti, and and DJI drones,among others. The Lifetime Achievement honoree was handed to the brilliantarchitect, Odile Decq, which was highlight of the night where all were inspiredby her legacy.
"[Receiving this award] is anincredible honor and, of course, very humbling...To be recognized for work thatyou deeply believe in is incredibly rewarding." - Sir David Adjaye
Empire is a premier producer of some of theworld's most prestigious award ceremonies, including The Webby Awards, TheFragrance Foundation Awards, and was honored to be chosen as Architizer'sproduction partner for the 2017 Architizer A+Awards.
Guests received their first taste of technological innovation at registration, where they were welcomed by name on a reactive LED screen installation covering the full width of the entry wall. A large lunch café was created with a décor scheme that incorporated custom-built, ceiling-high steel LED frames draped with foliage to create smaller, intimate restaurant-style spaces that displayed both technology and nature.
A series of breakout sessions presented content targeted to attendees’ varied interests, while imagery displayed throughout the venue showcased real-life applications of how products designed to empower developers help to unleash the power of data and reimagine possibilities that will improve our world.
Every element of Microsoft Connect(); from registration, breakfast and keynote, to lunch and evening cocktails, were custom-designed to communicate exacting brand messaging and to deliver a high-touch guest experience to this important audience. The keynote and breakout sessions were livestreamed through an onsite studio built for this purpose and content was watched online by millions around the world.
Empire is proud to collaborate with Microsoft on this annual, top-tier business communication event.
To view excerpts of Connect(); 2017, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/connectevent
