Urban Habitat Award

The Urban Habitat Award 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. The winning projects must also exhibit processes and/or innovations that have added to the profession of urban design and enhance the cities and the lives of their inhabitants.

For the Best Tall Building, Urban Habitat, and Repositioning categories, presentations must feature members of both the ownership and design team for consideration in the Overall Category award.

• For the 2026 Awards Program, the “urban habitat” aspect of the project must have been completed and utilized between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024 (36-month eligibility window). Please note that this completion window is set back one full year from building-related submissions to allow time for the urban habitat to have significantly established itself (E.g., landscaping, etc.).
• The site or master plan must be fully realized at the time of submission; in the case of a master plan, a multi-phase plan that is only partially completed will be accepted, but must be far enough progressed that its urban intent is evident. If the project is a proposal or vision, please consider submitting for the Future Project Award.

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, Location, and Project’s Completion Date
• Project Data: Site Area, Public Open Area, Hardscape Area, and Softscape Area

Written Description

The submission will ask the submitter to describe the following:

• How the design was influenced by context and surroundings
• How the space is used by inhabitants and the wider public
• Innovative features of the project that contribute to sustainability
• How the project makes a positive contribution to the surrounding environment
• The project team involved in the development/implementation of the project

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. Note that Urban Habitat Award requires both the owner/developer and design architect/planner to present.

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, Sections, and Elevations
• Images: Key Exterior Views, Exterior Details, Interior Views, and any additional information.

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