Top players of the international architectural and design community, from as far as Mexico and Belgium, gathered at Evergreen Brick Works last night as AZURE revealed the winners of its third annual AZ Awards. These awards are one of a kind: the only international, multi-disciplinary design competition in Canada. Representing a global snapshot of the world of architecture and design, submissions were open to designers, architects, firms and manufacturers of all disciplines, as well as students in these fields.

The high-calibre international jury included architect Shirley Blumberg of KPMB (Toronto), designer Todd Bracher of Todd Bracher Studio (New York), interior designer George Yabu of Yabu Pushelberg (Toronto and New York), landscape architect Ken Smith of Workshop (New York and Irvine, California), and visionary manufacturer and designer Giulio Cappellini of Cappellini (Milan). In March, the expert panel conferred at Torontoʼs Hôtel Le Germain, Maple Leaf Square, narrowing the field from an impressive 677 entries arriving from 38 countries to a shortlist of 43 finalists. From there, they selected the 14 outstanding winners.

"The overall calibre of entries to the AZ Awards was especially high this year," says Catherine Osborne, editor of AZURE, "which made it very challenging for the jury. Everyone agreed there was an incredible amount of intelligence, sophistication and elegance visible in all of the submissions."

During the month of April, the public was also given the chance to vote online for their favourites as the Peopleʼs Choice.

About AZURE: AZURE is Canadaʼs leading contemporary design magazine and one of a handful of influential design titles worldwide. The independent magazine enjoys a growing subscriber base and can be found on newsstands across Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia. Each issue consistently deliver lively, visually engaging, forward-looking and socially relevant coverage of contemporary design. AZURE profiles designers and architects from around the world; brings its readers breaking news on interior products and trends; showcases smart and paradigm-breaking residential and commercial projects; and investigates design issues related to our changing society.

AZURE is an indispensable source of information and ideas for architects and designers as well as design-savvy consumers. The publication continues to garner awards for its overall excellence and high standards for visual and written content.

KEY DATES:

June 13, 2013
Announcement of winners and
People's Choice at the AZ
Awards Gala Celebration

June 17, 2013
AZURE's Annual Awards
Issue, featuring the winning and
finalist projects, hits newsstands