BIG's VIA 57 West Wins Skyscraper Award

The 34-story residential building, which hybrids a European courtyard block and an American skyscraper, "was recognized by the award jury for its fascinating and extraordinary shape which breaks new ground in design," per Emporis's announcement. This international award is good news for BIG, since VIA 57 West was named the best tower in the Americas last year by CTBUH but lost in that award's worldwide judging to Gensler's Shanghai Tower.

The Emporis Skyscraper Award calls itself "the only prize for high-rise buildings awarded annually and on a global basis." Furthermore, "Nominees and winners are chosen by Emporis editors, who are architecture experts from all over the world.

Runners up for the 2016 awards include WOHA's Oasia Downtown Hotel (3rd place), Büro Ole Scheeren's MahaNakhon (4th place), and Herzog & de Meuron's 56 Leonard Street (6th place).