The American Institute of Architects has announced the winners of the 2009 Honor Awards for Architecture. The nine honorees represent a range of buildings with widely varying budgets, scales, and contexts. According to an AIA press release, “these projects have a tremendous impact on the social and physical fabric of the communities they serve.”

Visit the AIA for more information on winners.

2009 Institute Honor Awards for Architecture
1. Basilica of the Assumption, Baltimore by John G. Waite Associates, Architects
2. Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland, California by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
3. Charles Hostler Student Center, Beirut, Lebanon by VJAA

(From the AUB site:
The numerous sustainability applications of the Charles Hostler Student Center include:
- Roof integrated solar collectors for hot water and swimming pool heating ; Radiant slab cooling system ;Floor heating system ; High efficiency chilled water generation plant using sea water wells for system cooling; High efficiency air handling units with Heat Recovery systems; Conservation of energy through digital building management system; High building insulation on all external walls and ceilings ;Conservation of energy through digital building management system; Zone energy consumption metering; Low emission glazing (energy conservation and lower UV transmission); External radiant and evaporative cooling by Water Walls; Natural wind forced ventilation ;Energy efficient light fixtures;Interior Daylight ; Building volume-distribution creating local microclimate; Grey water collection, treatment and reuse in the same project; Low potable water consumption fixtures; Standby rain water collection system; Zone Water consumption metering; Water-efficient landscaping using non potable water; Use of non-potable water for toilet flushing and urinals; Completely non-irrigated Green Field (major conservation on water consumption); No use of high Ozone Depleting and/or Global Warming potential refrigerants as per Montreal Protocol and LEED requirements; Reduce heat - island - effect by utilizing underground parking, green roofs, vegetated landscape and selection of appropriate pavement materials; Interior views to external areas;Maximized open spaces; Excavation "construction waste" diverted from disposal /land fills; Public transportation access; No use of any toxic construction materials)

4. The Gary Comer Youth Center, Chicago by John Ronan Architects

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/deucecaddy/2152041907/in/photostream/

5. Horno³: Museo del Acero, Monterey, Mexico by Grimshaw Architects
6. The Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life, New Orleans by VJAA
7. The New York Times Building, New York by Renzo Piano Building Workshop and FXFowle Architects

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/16353290@N00/460762504/

8. Plaza Apartments, San Francisco by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects
9. Salt Point House, Salt Point, New York by Thomas Phifer and Partners

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritapalma/1235084993/in/photostream/

2009 Institute Honor Awards for Interior Architecture
1. Barclays Global Investors Headquarters, San Francisco by Studios Architecture
2. Chronicle Books, San Francisco by Mark Cavagnero Associates
3. The Heckscher Foundation for Children, New York by Christoff: Finio architecture

View from entry. (photo: E. Felicella)

4, Jigsaw, Washington, D.C. by David Jameson Architect
5. R.C. Hedreen, Seattle by NBBJ
6. School of American Ballet, New York by Diller Scofidio + Renfro
7. Sheila C. Johnson Design Center, New York by Lyn Rice Architects
8. Tishman Speyer Corporate Headquarters, New York by Lehman Smith McLeish
9. Town House, Washington, D.C. by Robert M. Gurney, FAIA
10. World Headquarters for IFAW—Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts by Designlab architects

AIA Announces 2009 Honor Awards for Architecture