Digital Architecture Category
The Digital Architecture category is experimental, and is open to all architects and designers regardless of location. This category may be juried separately.
The Design Awards 2002 with its focus on recognizing excellence in design is adding a new category. In addition to the standard categories is a new one in keeping with the theme of this years’ awards: Out of the Box.

The architectural profession is evolving. In recognition of the evolution in the architectural profession, we are adding a new category; "Digital Architecture." This new category will recognize excellence in communication, performance, design and methodology using technology in architecture and construction.

Technology for the architectural profession evolved from paper and pencil to today’s computer and software systems. Paper was a breakthrough technology in history that transformed the communication process and sharing of knowledge.
 The technology of paper transformed the architectural profession. The technology of the computer and software systems is also transforming our industry. The Digital Category is looking for innovation in the use of technology and the new methodologies that are evolving and developing in our profession. This Digital category is experimental and set up with a separate focus from the standard categories. We want to open this up as an exploration of what is possible. Show us how these new processes are "increasing our relevance as a profession." Dazzle us! The category is experimental so we do not want to limit the imagination on this one. This is the "Out of the Box" digital category. Although it is experimental there are some substantial prizes associated with it.

Suggested Submittals for the Digital Category:
  • Innovation in the Use of Software and Systems for the Design and Engineering Process
    1. Intelligent Tools that are used as tools in the design process
    2. Tools for quality control of design and code / building requirements
    3. Tools and systems that capture design requirements and information about the building in innovative ways
    4. The size of or complexity of the submittal will not be as important as the size. innovation and content are more important than the size
  • Presentation Tools
    1. Virtual Reality Tools for presenting and exploring ideas
    2. Unique ways to present information about buildings
    3. New methods of communicating design intent, capturing project requirements and passing that information from the design stage to construction and beyond. Presentation is not only about visuals but also has much to do with the data and information that is a part of this process.
  • Process and Methodologies
    1. New processes that are being used in the entire building life cycle from concept to design and beyond
    2. An exploration into the "outer limits" of what architects are perceived to do. Think out of the box, astonish us
  • Expanding the Profession of Architecture
    1. New Tools, Systems and Services that go beyond the traditional architectural services
    2. The life cycle of a building goes much beyond the design and construction stage. A building lives years beyond that and there are services related to this entire life cycle that can be tied into the architectural process. This is an exploration of what these services may be, and a way to demonstrate added value of the architectural profession
    3. Collaboration tools and techniques with other industries and professions. Printed-paper documents or basic CAD documents do not allow for interoperability and linking to other information systems and parts of the building and construction process. Using technology it is now possible to create stronger links. Interoperability is what is going to drive our industry and we want to see some good examples of this.