DISTINGUISHED PRIZE AWARDED FOR MOUNTAIN DWELLINGS IN ØRESTAD

One can hardly believe it possible, but the housing project Mountain Dwellings in Ørestad has won a distinguished US award, writes www.magasinetejendom.dk.

Mountain Dwellings was recently awarded the prestigious Urban Land Institute 2009 Award for Excellence in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It is the housing project's first US award and it marks significant international recognition of the architecture of the project. The integrated housing units and parking structure are by now one of Ørestad's largest attractions and a must for Danes and tourists with an interest in architecture.

The new award, awarded by the Urban Land Institute (ULI), is one of the most prestigious awards in land use practice. The winners are judged on their entire planning process and not just the architecture or the design.

Mountain Dwellings, located in Ørestad, combines parking facilities and housing units with large terraces and roof gardens. The gardens of the building start at ground level and rise vertically 34 meters up to the top south-east corner of the building.

"The project showcases creativity, innovation and long-term thinking," remarked Ian D. Hawksworth, jury chairman and general manager at Capital & Counties. "Perhaps now more than ever, the ULI Awards for Excellence programme reminds us of the key difference that responsible design and development can make in terms of longevity and overall community sustainability."