VCU Brandcenter architects triumph in national competition

By Rachael Pawlowski
VCU Communications and Public Relations

The designers of the Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter will be honored with the 2009 Contract Magazine award as Best Educational layout.

The award, a prestigious recognition for architects worldwide, will be presented to Clive Wilkinson Architects, the designers of the building.

The competition determined the leading designs based on a cost-effective budget, creativity and resourceful use of space.

“This is the most renowned and respected recognition in commercial design,” said Rick Boyko, director of the VCU Brandcenter. “The Clive Wilkinson Architects made a place far beyond our expectations. This building stimulates creativity.”

Clive Wilkinson Architects will accept the award in January at a ceremony in New York. The winning Brandcenter design also will have a spread published in the January issue of Contract Magazine.

Started in 1996 as the VCU Adcenter, the VCU Brandcenter is the first graduate program in advertising to combine business-oriented communications strategy and brand management tracks with a creative program for art directors and copywriters in a business setting.

It was formed to develop the skills of talented postgraduates, enabling them to enter the business world with a highly competitive portfolio of collaborative thinking. The VCU Brandcenter is part of the VCU School of Mass Communications.

For more information, visit www.brandcenter.vcu.edu.