
Photo courtesy Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
International architecture firm Snøhetta is the recipient of the 2020 National Design Award for Architecture, bestowed by Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Recognized at the annual gala, held virtually for the first time due to the pandemic, the trans-disciplinary studio was selected for the impact of their designs, particularly in the areas of social and environmental sustainability.
“Snøhetta was established on the belief that we can go further if we go together, and we have a long way to go,” said Craig Dykers, founding partner. “In a year such as this one, where we are facing many challenges in the field of design and in the world at large. We are honored to receive the National Design Award and be recognized for our achievements in sustainability and socially conscious design. With this award, we feel empowered to continue to push the envelope of what great design can do.”
The National Design Awards were launched in 2000 as an official project of the White House Millennium Council, with the goal of increasing awareness and understanding of how design improves everyday life. Organized by Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, the awards are given annually in recognition of design innovation and impact. Nominations are made by the general public, and winners are selected by a diverse jury of design leaders and educators.
“For over 30 years, Snøhetta has designed some of the world’s most notable projects integrating architecture, landscape, interiors, branding, and product design. The firm is dedicated to building equitable and sustainable places to enhance human society and natural habitat,” said Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. “With seven offices across the globe, Snøhetta’s noteworthy projects include the Library of Alexandria in Egypt, the Norwegian National Opera in Oslo, the National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion and Times Square in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in California, the Calgary Public Library in Canada, House Zero a zero-emissions sustainable research prototype at Harvard University, and the Ford Motor Company’s new Research & Engineering Campus in Michigan.”
This month, Snøhetta will take part in several public events as part of National Design Month, including Cooper Hewitt’s “Meet the Designers” design fair on October 13, and leading a digital tour of their studio via Instagram live on October 16.