Architectural Design Award at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

Natural daylight and sunlight have always played a determining role in architecture. Through this Award, VELUX wants to stimulate reflection and debate on the re-interpretation of daylight in architectural design today. The aim of the Award is to encourage innovation in this field and to highlight quality architectural solutions that improve the quality of living conditions and the environment. All types of buildings can be proposed, be they newly built or refurbished, facilities or housing. The focus must be on daylight, whether in architectural design concept or in research into daylight construction techniques.

The ar+d award for emerging architecture is the biggest and best award for young architects in the world and gives £10 000 in prize money. Inaugurated in 1999, the award was conceived by The Architectural Review and d line international as, the distinguished Danish architectural design firm. It is supported by Buro Happold. Intended to bring wider international recognition to a talented new generation of architects and designers, last year the competition attracted more than 700 entries from nearly 60 countries, representing every inhabited continent. Awards are for built or manufactured work only, and besides buildings, the full range of design activity, from landscapes and urban spaces to furniture and cutlery can be submitted.

Also recognized by AIA with an 2005 Excellence in Architectural Design Award was Greg Ibanez of Gideon Toal, an architectural firm based in Fort Worth. One of Ibanez's designs includes the AUI headquarters facility, which earned a 2004 Merit Award from the AIA Fort Worth Chapter. As a full-service general contractor, AUI has served the public and private sector and completed more than 700 construction projects since 1983. AUI acquired Pyramid Building Systems in 2004 to expand its design/build capabilities and better