The West 8 team's Governors Island Park and Public Open Space design competition proposal has won a 2008 American Institute of Architects NY Design Honor Award. The AIA New York Chapter's annual Design Awards Program recognizes excellence in architectural design by New York City architects and in New York City projects. The program's purpose is to increase awareness of outstanding architecture and to honor the architects, clients, and consultants who work together to improve the built environment.

The project received a prestigious "Honor" award, the highest category of merit. Criteria for selection include quality of design; resolution of the program or idea; and innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique. The award is very highly regarded by architects as their submissions are judged by a panel of distinguished design peers. Receiving an AIA Honor award is considered a major achievement.

The AIA New York Chapter publicly announced the winners of the Design Awards February 25, 2008. There will be a Design Awards Luncheon on April 30th. The Design Awards Exhibition opens on May 1st at the Center for Architecture and will be on view through July 2008. In addition, winners will be published in a special Awards issue of Oculus, in printed materials promoting the Luncheon, and on the AIA New York Chapter's website. More information available at http://www.aiany.org/designawards/2008/