Quality developments consistent across awards

Quality developments consistent across awards despite challenging times

The annual Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards 2010 will celebrate outstanding commercial property projects developed in New Zealand despite challenging economic times.

The long-running Property Council Rider Levett Bucknall Awards are New Zealand’s most prestigious commercial property awards, attracting submissions for the country’s top commercial properties.

Chief Judge John Dunn said as expected in the current economic climate, there were fewer entries this year but the quality of submissions and developments were very high.

“Despite the Global Financial Crisis the quality and consistency of submissions were excellent across all categories this year – more so than previous years.”

Projects were increasingly incorporating environmentally sustainable design features and materials, he said. “Over time, there has been an increasing trend for sustainability features to be the norm rather than the exception. Now, almost every property has ‘green’ features to varying degrees.”

Submissions for the awards are open to both members and non-members of Property Council New Zealand. Entries go through a rigorous, 12-week process in which ten judges review each submission, setting it against detailed criteria. Judging also involves site visits.

Submissions need to show economic and financial data and are judged on the return on investment, operation and maintenance factors, the degree of difficulty, environmentally sustainable features and urban design principles.

For example, entries need to show innovation in architectural or engineering design, the efficiency of structure and construction materials and quality of external and internal design and finishes.

Operational factors include air conditioning systems and the quality of building services such as lighting, lifts, security and fire protection. The ability to cope with changes in technology and a positive contribution to the built environment are all considered.

The Supreme Award is the most coveted, presented to the very best from excellence awards in all categories.

Excellence Awards go to specific properties that in the judges’ opinions, best meet the judging criteria. These awards are not always made in every category or limited to one per category.

Merit Awards go to properties with a special distinction or element that deserves recognition.

All winners will be announced at the black tie awards evening on June 18 at the Langham. The night will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a seated dinner and awards presentation.

2010 FINALISTS:
Commercial Office Property Award (entered by) NNZI Centre Newcrest Group
Tetra Pak Building, Innovation Park Innovation Waikato, Hawkins Construction, Ignite Architects, AECOM
Aorangi House Beca
Deloitte Centre Brookfield Multiplex
Jasmax Studio Head Office Jasmax

ENDS

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