Last September 13, Porcelanosa Grupo held the gala for the third edition of the PIPA awards in Milan, under the slogan ‘Earthcrafted Designs’. With more than 200 participating proposals, five projects were awarded for their excellence in an unforgettable ceremony held at the Sforza Castle.
Design and architecture evening in the heart of Milan
Upon arriving at the Ducal Courtyard, more than a hundred attendees were greeted with a live music concert. Afterwards, the melody gave way to the awards ceremony, hosted by Italian journalist and presenter Valeria Ciardiello.
Within the walls, gardens, and frescoes of this historical venue, attendees enjoyed a pleasant evening of camaraderie and professional recognition.
A week immersed in design
The PIPA gala in Milan was the culmination of a week of activities focused on design and architecture, which began at the Porcelanosa headquarters in Spain. During their stay, participants gained in-depth knowledge of the transformation process of raw materials. They also had the opportunity to participate in various workshops, showcasing their artistic skills by creating unique pieces.
The journey continued in Milan. The design capital offered attendees a selection of authentic and exclusive Italian experiences. It was also the scene of the intense day at the Porcelanosa Milan showroom, where the finalist projects were presented to the jury.
PIPA Awards Jury composed by Kazi Khaleed Ashraf, Mohammed Adib, Moisés Royo, Sophie Thuillier and Cristiano Benzoni.
PIPA Earthcrafted Designs
Under the slogan ’Earthcrafted Designs’, the third edition of PIPA highlighted the harmonious connection between natural elements and the exceptional ability of design to bring unique spaces to life.
Throughout the week, the nominated projects in five categories were exhibited in a prominent space in Piazza Castello, inviting visitors to reflect on the richness and diversity of materials in architecture and interior design.
PIPA 2024 Jury: excellence and multidisciplinarity
A jury composed of renowned international professionals was responsible for analyzing and evaluating the finalist projects, selected from more than two hundred submitted proposals.
This multidisciplinary panel included personalities such as Kazi Khaleed Ashraf, General Director of the Institute of Architecture, Landscape and Settlements of Bengal (Bangladesh), Mohammed Adib, Design Director of Dewan Architects + Engineers, Moisés Royo, General Director of Muka Arquitectura, and the directors of Le Studio REV, Sophie Thuillier and Cristiano Benzoni. Their experience and criteria were key in selecting the most outstanding projects of this edition.
PIPA 2024 Awarded Projects
Single-family Residential
FAMILY VILLA
DE.FAKTO
With its intelligent design, the Czech studio was awarded for conceiving “a house as a set of exquisite and playful innovations”.
Single-family Residential – FAMILY VILLA – DE.FAKTO
Public Spaces and Commercial Projects
PUMPA GAS STATION
IVAN KOLÁŘ
The jury recognized this project for “blurring the lines between the city and the highway and giving civic quality to the gas station”.
Public Spaces and Commercial Projects Winner – PUMPA GAS STATION
Hotels
MUSA
ANDRÉS SAAVEDRA DESIGN
This Mexican hotel project stood out for its “comprehensive vision of architecture, social and sustainable intervention, a new dialogue between a vast landscape and the human scale”.
Hotels Category Winner – MUSA
Multi-unit Residential
THE BESPOKE
MURO ROJO ARQUITECTURA
The jury highlighted this unique residential architecture project for “showing the essence of cultural heritage while reinforcing the axis of the sea and jungle”.
Multi Unit Residential Winner – THE BESPOKE
Facades
THE BRUSSELS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
VK ARCHITECTS + ENGINEERS
The extension and remodeling project of this university hospital in Brussels earned recognition from the PIPA jury for its “pleasant envelope with a special touch”.
Facades Category Winner – THE BRUSSELS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Special Mentions
In addition to recognizing the winning projects, the jury awarded two special mentions. In the Multi-unit Residential category, the project Tsool Tulum, by Void Studio, was highlighted “for its sensitive and intelligent response to the budget, layout, and urban and cultural context, within a small plot”. The Unipol Group Headquarters building project by Mario Cucinella Architects was recognized in the Facades category for “projecting a façade as an opportunity to control a bioclimatic environment and its evolution into a public atrium”. Another important mention was the nomination of the Canadian project by Russel and Russel Design Studios in the single family category.
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- Single Family Category, the Canadian project by Russell and Russell Design Studios.
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- Multi-unit Residential category, the project Tsool Tulum, by Void Studio
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- Facedes Category, the Unipol Group Headquarters building by Mario Cucinella Architects.
The third edition of the PIPA awards has reaffirmed Porcelanosa Grupo’s commitment to innovation and excellence in design and architecture, celebrating projects that integrate natural elements and creativity into unique and avant-garde spaces.
