NEW YORK, NY.- This week, the Center for Architecture in New York City opened its exhibition of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter 2011 Design Award winners, which featured 38 projects selected out of 433 by a jury of twelve eminent architects, educators, critics and planners. The Center also opened its “Best in Show” showcase exhibition, which featured three of those 38 winners: the Hypar Pavilion Lawn and Restaurant, by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with FXFOWLE (Architecture, Honor); the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects (Interiors, Honor); and the Lincoln Center Public Spaces, by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, in collaboration with FXFOWLE, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, and Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects (Urban Design, honor).

“It is a rare feat for one client to generate so many award-winning design projects, much less at one time,” said AIANY President Margaret Castillo, AIA, LEED AP. “But Lincoln Center did exactly that, reinvigorating what was already a creative, inspiring public place with a new life for the 21st century. I congratulate the client, the designers, and the many people that worked on revitalizing this important piece of New York.”

This is the first time AIANY has selected a “Best in Show.” The criteria, like that of the larger competitions, were exemplary originality, design quality, program resolution, innovation, thoughtfulness and technique. The projects will be displayed in the Center for Architecture’s Helfand Spotlight gallery from April 14 through early May. The full AIANY 2011 Design Awards Exhibition also opened April 14, and will remain on view through June 25.