The Architectural Products Product Innovation Awards (PIAs) determine and honor innovation in the development and refinement of buildings-related products. Judged by a group of 50 independent industry professionals, the competition represents a mechanism to impartially review products and present items to readers that their peers found innovative and worth investigating. The November issue of Architectural Products showcases the most innovative product winners of 2013.
Architectural Products editorial director Jim Crockett notes, “Building on the success of last year’s program, our third edition of the Product Innovation Awards proves commercial building manufacturers are committed to, and are working arduously toward, delivering more sustainable products, as well as products that deliver better performance life and affordability.”
MAADI Group President and CEO Alex de la Chevrotière states, “We are delighted that MakeABridge has won this prestigious award from Architectural Products. This honor from architectural professionals recognizes that our modular aluminum pedestrian bridge structure is a true innovation in sustainable design. MakeABridge’s versatility and its ability to be customized for the particular application and surroundings are unique benefits of working with extruded aluminum. Our product combines the corrosion-free aluminum truss framework with our patented tripod node joints in a weld-free Meccano-style design to create a structure that combines function, strength and aesthetics all into one durable pedestrian bridge with a multitude of applications.
MakeABridge modules are easily transported, assembled and installed on site, and can be used as mobile service bridges, as well as permanent walkway structures. Applications include commercial, industrial, recreational, institutional, military, and marine applications in outdoor and indoor locations. The high-strength aluminum alloy used in its truss and railing structures is impervious to corrosion from salt or chemicals and harsh climate conditions including severe cold temperatures.
For AP’s Product Innovation Awards competition, manufacturers were invited to submit products in several categories: metals; concrete/masonry; conveying equipment; finishes and surfaces; furnishings; HVAC; landscaping/miscellaneous exteriors; lighting and electrical; bathroom-related/plumbing; solar and on-site power generation; shading and solar control; thermal/moisture control; windows and openings; and wood.
Products were assigned to a diverse body of judges including architects, interior designers, lighting designers and veteran A/E/C writers, based on their expertise and interest. Judges were asked to simply assign a numerical grade to each entry and comment on particular aspects of the product they found innovative or intriguing.
Architectural Products magazine is the leading publication serving architects and designers, covering products and products in application for commercial and institutional design. Construction Business Media, headquartered in suburban Chicago, publishes Architectural Products, NetZeroBuildings, Illuminate, and Architectural SSL magazines.
In addition to the 2013 Product Innovation Award, MakeABridge won the Extrusion Technology for Aluminum Profiles Foundation’s ET ‘08 Design Competition in the Structural category, and the 2010 Regional Innovation Award representing Québec in Canada’s National Innovation Competition held by the Manufacturers and Exporters Canada (CME) in partnership with the National Research Council of Canada. MakeABridge also received second place honors in the 2009 Contech Competition, which rewards Québec architects, engineers and contractors who develop innovative products or technologies involving building design, construction or management.
