The new premises of the European Patent Office (EPO) in The Hague have been named “Best Tall Office Building” by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), an internationally recognised arbiter on tall buildings. Edda Franz, EPO Principal Director General Administration, and Diederik Dam, Dam & Partners Architecten, accepted the award at a conference in Shenzhen, China, on Wednesday, 10 April 2019.

The CTBUH had already ranked the EPO’s new building among winning projects in the category “Best Tall Building 100-199 Meters” last year, qualifying it to compete for further distinctions at the Shenzhen event, which drew international entrants in multiple categories. To be considered for an award, construction projects need to make significant contributions to the advancement of tall buildings and the urban environment, with sustainability as a key focus area.  Each project is expected to minimize effects on the natural environment, have a positive influence on inhabitants in the local area, and be of economic vitality to its occupants and the community.

Photo by Ossip van Duivenbode, courtesy of European Patent Office.