2020 Small Project Awards
Recognizing the best in small project design

XS House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Small Project Design, an AIA Knowledge Community, presents the 2020 Small Project Awards, to recognize small project practitioners for the high quality of their work and to promote excellence in small project design.
These seven projects represent the value and design excellence that architects bring to projects regardless of size and scope:
XS House
Built on a plot of land so small it barely registered as a development parcel, this project added seven apartments to Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood.
Unit 2808
Beautiful light and captivating views are the hallmarks of this renovated, 28th-floor apartment in a Mies van der Rohe-designed Chicago apartment building.
Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School Great Hall Renovation
To maximize a federal grant and a summer break construction timeline, this relied on subtle alterations to radically enhance a dull and poorly-lit high school.
Rossmore + Weldon
As part of the modernization of a 110-unit affordable housing project in downtown LA, two overlooked service courts have become important tenant social spaces.
Salvage Swings
While primarily aimed at children, who don't often get to experience spaces designed just for them, this amalgam of play & responsible reuse is made for all.
Logan Center Kilnhouse
Born from a collaboration of architects, students, & administrators, the Logan Center Kilnhouse contains ceramic kilns employed by the University of Chicago.
Aesop DTLA
Drawing from the rich fabric of its surroundings in Los Angeles’ historic fashion district, this project relied on the humble cardboard tube and paper.
Image credits

Sam Oberter