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Recognizes recently-completed tall building projects that have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of tall buildings and the urban environment, and that achieve sustainability and human well-being at the highest and broadest level.

Recognizes projects that have made extraordinary contributions to the surrounding environment, add to the social sustainability of both their immediate and wider settings, and represent design influenced by context, both environmentally and culturally. 

Recognizes design proposals and visions that that will soon shape our cities, skylines, and push existing technical and structural limits. Unlike other categories, this category recognizes projects that have not yet have been realized, but have been thoroughly documented and considered.

The 10 Year Award recognizes proven value and performance of tall building projects over a period of time. This award gives an opportunity to reflect on tall buildings that have performed and operated successfully, long after the ribbon-cutting ceremonies have passed.

Recognizes projects that have underwent significant post-occupancy upgrades that extend the life cycle of the building. This award gives an opportunity to highlight technical solutions in adaptive re-use, renovations, function changes, retrofits, recladdings, system upgrades, etc.

Recognizes recent innovations that have demonstrated — either through testing, research, or application — their suitability for tall building implementation. The areas of innovation can embrace any discipline, such as technical breakthroughs, construction methods, design approaches, urban planning, building systems, façades, and interior environment.

Recognizes specific structural assemblies that take the technical solutions and possibilities for tall buildings to the next level, perhaps in a configuration that has not been attempted, or achieved, before. This award gives an opportunity to highlight technical solutions for tall buildings in structural engineering, wind engineering, geotechnical engineering, etc.

Recognizes projects that advance tall building construction and take the technical solutions to the next level. The project must display a superior level of quality and technical complexity over that of its peers, with elements that are transferable to other projects and have the potential to influence construction practices.

Recognizes tall building projects whose interior spaces demonstrate exceptional functional success in terms of the user experience and take the solutions and possibilities for interior space design to the next level.

Recognizes projects whose building systems contribute replicable, innovative methods to the tall building industry and enhance the livelihood of occupants. Systems may include, but are not limited to, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, vertical transportation, sustainability, energy generation, indoor air quality, and life safety.

Recognizes façade and curtain wall systems that take the technical solutions and possibilities for tall buildings to the next level. This award highlights solutions and strategies that are efficient, cost-effective, and replicable to other projects, perhaps in a configuration that has not been attempted, or achieved, before.

Recognizes programs, policies, and project approaches that move our industry toward a future where all people feel welcome, valued, and empowered. This award highlights efforts that broaden participation in the creation of our cities, expand access to safe and healthy environments, and elevate diverse perspectives in design and decision-making.

The CVU Global Icon Award is bestowed to a unique tall building for the profound impact it has made, not only on its local/regional context, but in its impact on tall buildings globally. Innovative in planning, design, and execution, the building will have influenced and re-shaped the field of tall building architecture, engineering, and urban planning. This award is only conferred occasionally, when merited by an exceptional building.

This award is bestowed by the CVU Board of Trustees and is not open for general submission.

Recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of tall buildings and the urban environment during his or her professional career. These contributions and leadership are recognized by the professional community and have significant effects, which extend beyond the professional community, to enhance cities and the lives of their inhabitants. The individual’s contributions may be well known or little known by the public and may take any form, such as completed buildings, research, technology, methods, ideas, or industry leadership.

This award is bestowed by the CVU Board of Trustees and is not open for general submission.

Recognizes an individual for his or her demonstrated excellence in technical design and/or research that has made a significant contribution to a discipline(s) for the design of tall buildings and the built urban environment. The contribution may be demonstrated in the form of specific technical advances, innovations, design breakthroughs, building systems integration or innovative engineering systems that resulted in a practical design solution and completion of a project(s). The consideration may be based on a single project or creative achievement through multiple projects.

This award is bestowed by the CVU Board of Trustees and is not open for general submission.

CVU Fellows are recognized for their contribution to the Council over an extended period of time, and in recognition of their work and the sharing of their knowledge in the design and construction of tall buildings and the urban habitat.

This award is bestowed by the CVU Board of Trustees and is not open for general submission.