Quality Building Award 2024 calls for nominations

Jointly organized by nine leading professional property and construction institutions in Hong Kong, the Quality Building Award 2024 is now officially open for nominations.

The biennial Quality Building Award (QBA) is recognized by many as the construction industry's premier Oscars-level recognition. As Chairman of the QBA 2024 Organizing Committee, Mr. Daniel Shum, highlighted the award’s holistic approach, “Where design competitions consider elements individually, the QBA conducts an all-encompassing evaluation of a project's planning, design, construction, occupancy, and facilities management from concept to completion.”

The 12th QBA carries the theme ‘Empowering Innovation, Sustaining Green, Generating Wellness’ to honor excellence and collaboration in developing outstanding design and construction projects across Hong Kong, mainland, and internationally.

Barry Sin Wing-ning, Honorary Member and Immediate Past Vice-President of HKCA, noted the yearly theme responds to evolving priorities while emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and wellness as consistent touchpoints. “Each year's theme addresses contemporary needs, but those three elements remain central,” said Sin.

Yu Po Mei, Clarice, JP, Director of Buildings for the HKSARG Building Department, underlined the priority placed on wellness. “A sense of well-being is both a societal movement and public desire. During design, construction, and occupancy, creativity helps realize spaces and facilities that nurture well-being,” stressed Yu.

Yu said the award fosters shared learning to elevate industry standards. “Through showcasing innovative design solutions and vibrant livable spaces for those in Hong Kong and abroad, the award creates a platform for the building industry to thrive,” she said.

The award encompasses eight categories: Hong Kong Residential (Single Building), Hong Kong Residential (Multiple Buildings), Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building - Government, Institution or Community), Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building – Non- Government, Institution or Community), Hong Kong Building (Renovation / Revitalization), Temporary Building, Building Outside Hong Kong, and Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong).

A new category in 2024 covers outstanding projects in the Greater Bay Area outside of Hong Kong. Nominated buildings for this category must be situated within the region but beyond Hong Kong's borders.

Shum detailed the rationale for adding a Greater Bay Area classification. “By convening construction leaders from the region and honoring exemplary projects demonstrating design excellence, innovation, and contributions to urban development, we aim to recognize iconic buildings that support growth across Hong Kong and China while cultivating additional landmark structures within the Greater Bay Area,” he stated.

The Quality Building Award recognizes four achievement levels: Finalists, Merits, Grand Awards, and the highest Quality Excellence Award bestowed solely upon an exceptionally outstanding Hong Kong-based project that has garnered the Grand Award.

The award also presents two Special Awards: the Innovative Project Award will go to the team that best demonstrates innovative design and construction technologies, whereas the Sustainable Development Award will be given to the finalist exemplifying superior sustainable practices and green building efforts.

Nominations for the prestigious QBA are now open through the February 23, 2024, 12:00 noon deadline.

For more information, please visit https://www.qba.com.hk/