June 2010, 1360. Volume CCXXVIII

In the current increasingly crowded field, what makes a meaningful architectural award?

It’s the season of gongs and prizes. TheRIBA has just unveiled 102 buildings in its annual awards, essentially the (very) longlist for the Stirling Prize. This month the 2010 AR Emerging Architecture Awards launches (see page 41). Plus the entry deadline for AR House, a new prize for the design of a one-off house, is fast approaching – extended to 28 May.

But are there too many awards? And what does it really mean to win one? When we set up Emerging Architecture in 1999, as a gentle riposte to the Pritzkers and Praemiums for lifetime achievement, we had no real idea how popular it would be (nearly 1,000 entries in the first year).

Back then, with the internet in its relativeinfancy, it was harder for practices to network, so being singled out gave an important impetus to fledgling careers – and it still does. Over time, we have tracked the progress of those who went on to greater things, such as Sean Godsell and Sou Fujimoto, and seen the rise of architects from India and China.

No awards scheme can claim such a wide range of countries of origin. Moreover, the principles of Emerging – built work rather than paper theorising, and judging criteria that encompass a concern for place, people and appropriate use of technology – reposition architecture where it should be, as a uniquely social and responsible art. So we feel that awards do have a future.

Finally, a quick heads up for our US readers. From 10-12 June, the AR team will be at the AIA National Convention in Miami. We’re on Stand 1982, so swing past for a chat and take advantage of an exclusive subscription offer.We look forward to meeting you.