Space Within Award

Formerly known as the Interior Design Award, the Space Within Award recognizes tall building projects that have integrated extraordinary interior spaces within, which demonstrate exceptional functional success in terms of the user experience and take the solutions and possibilities for interior space design to the next level. In addition to evaluating the interior design of the space, the judging process will also consider: the design and integration of movement between spaces (vertically and horizontally), the performance of building systems, including but not limited to MEP, vertical transportation, “smart” technology, and so on, will also be evaluated.

• For the 2026 Awards Programs, the space must be completed, according to CVU Tall Building Criteria, between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025 (36-month eligibility window). The interior space being submitted must be fully realized at the time of submission. For refurbishments and renovations of existing tall buildings, please submit to the Repositioning Award.
• This award is intended to recognize specific spaces of prominence within tall building project. If a single building has multiple spaces of differing functions, these should be submitted as separate nominations.

All project data (Completion Date, Heights, Function, Structure Type, etc.) should follow CVU Tall Building Criteria, which can be found here.

Please prepare the below materials to ensure that your submission is completed efficiently.

• Basic Info: Name and Location
• Project Data: Completion Schedule, Floor Area, and Function of Submitted Space

Written Description

The submission will ask the submitter to describe the following:

• How the interior space interacts with the design and function of the building
• How the configuration, programming, and orientation of the space supports the building’s objectives
• Any innovative features of the space that contribute to its sustainability
• The project team involved in the development/implementation of the interior space

Participation consent: although there is no charge to submit to the awards program, all winning projects must be CVU Organizational Members and commit to present at the annual VU Summit and attend the Awards Ceremony & Dinner.

Right to usage of materials: all submitted text, images, and drawings may be published in CVU print and digital publications. Required images and drawings may include:

• Drawings: Floor Plans and Sections
• Images: Views of the Building, Key Interior Views, and any additional information.

Further information on Participation Consent & Rights to Usage of Materials can be found on the official submission form.