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The city Zoetermeer in the Netherlands has many beautiful buildings. This year, therefore, the Gemma Smid Architecture Award was awarded for the seventh time. Traditionally, the award ceremony took place during the Day of Architecture, on 2th of June 2018. The award is named after former alderman Gemma Smid-Marsman, because of her commitment to architecture in Zoetermeer.

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That the Dutch know how to manage water and overcome its challenges is clearly demonstrated by a unique residential construction project in Zeeburgerbaai in Amsterdam. Twenty-eight homes are being built here on Steigereiland, the first island in IJburg. The 24 semi-detached and 4 detached homes designed by Attika Architekten stand on platforms supported on piles: the recently completed Willem Barlowsteiger (phase 1) and the Edmond Halleysteiger (phase 2).

Three award-winning apartment buildings stand proudly atop Rundeskogen hill, which connects the cities of Sandnes, Stavanger and Sola. The towers on the west coast of Norway afford breathtaking views of wide-open plains, dense forests and the Gandsfjorden fjord. The highest tower has 15 stories, the other two have nine. Together, the towers contain 113 units. The buildings stand out amongst the surrounding low-rise residential complexes and warehouses.

The Kennedy Plaza is an impressive and modern structure composed by two twin towers connected to each other and the beautiful city of Santiago de Chile. Is amazing how this five stars office building gives the sense of greatness and elegance to the companies in there.

With nine campuses and over 12,000 students, Karel de Grote Hogeschool (KdG) is the largest University college in Antwerp, Belgium. Here, students are offered the opportunity to develop in their chosen field and as individuals. Campus Zuid is home to 5,500 students, 500 teachers and 400 workplaces.

Seduced by metallic reflections

Distinct grey tones splashed with fuchsia mark the façade of ‘The Dome’, a luxurious apartment hotel near the Marseille sports arena of the same name. The grey façade and light and dark wedges around the front and back of the building act as a recognizable beacon.

Global harmony and lasting coherence

Cran-Gevrier’s ‘Les Passerelles’ district brings new life to a former industrial wasteland. Along the river Thiou, where a paper mill once stood, an ambitious 45,000 square meter urban renewal project which focuses strongly on respect for the environment is bringing new housing and economic activity.

Inspiration in one colour

In May 2015, Bureau d’Architecture Christophe Sechehaye began to convert two existing properties into a building with two apartments and an architectural office. The aim was to create a building that gently draws the attention of passers-by while creating a bird’s eye view of the neighbourhood for the people inside.