The E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company invites all architects to submit one or more entries to the Benedictus Awards program, recognizing outstanding architectural design and innovative use of laminated glass as a major element of the construction. Designers may submit projects completed since January 1, 1998, to this program, which is approved by the International Union of Architects (UIA) and organized by the AIA. Spain’s Santiago Calatrava, Italy’s Lewis Koerner, and U.S. representative Julie Snow, FAIA, make up this year’s jury.

The Grand Prize-winning architects receive a specially commissioned glass sculpture designed by renowned artist James Carpenter. The jury may elect to award honorable mentions in the commercial, community, education, government, health-care, recreation, and residential categories.

Submissions consist of project renderings and a statement (in English) explaining the design’s unique qualities and how laminated glass is used. Entries are judged by degree of innovation, breadth of application, importance of laminated glass to the building and concept, and significance or impact for industry and the consumer.

Since its creation a decade ago, the Benedictus Awards program has attracted entries from more than 250 architecture firms and highlighted a series of outstanding projects recognized by professionals and critics internationally. The 2002 grand prize was awarded to Dirk Jan Postel (The Netherlands) for his project the Temple of Love, located near Avalon, France (photo courtesy of the architect).

Copyright 2003 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.