SWAROVSKI OPTIK and architects Tatanka jointly awarded Austrian State Prize for Architecture

The social ethos behind the renovation and extension of the SWAROVSKI OPTIK premises in Absam combined with the exceptional architectural quality of the industrial buildings were the deciding factors that swung the decision of the jury of the State Prize for Architecture 2010, who named SWAROVSKI OPTIK together with architect firm Tatanka winners of this prestigious award.

The Austrian State Prize for Industrial and Commercial Architecture 2010 was awarded in Linz on 16 December 2010 by Rudolf Mitterlehner, Austria's Minister for Economic Affairs. Winners of the category Medium and Large Concerns were SWAROVSKI OPTIK KG together with Tatanka GmbH, the firm of architects behind the Absam project. What impressed the judges the most about the successful transformation of the Absam site was the fact that the entire renovation and build had been designed and implemented specifically around the employees.
It was particularly important to Chairwoman of the SWAROVSKI OPTIK Executive Board, Carina Schiestl-Swarovski, who commissioned the project, that the quality of the workplace be improved for employees. The first stage of the development was to build an on-site crèche, kitchen and canteen with the second stage involving the renovation and extension of offices and production halls. Employees were even consulted on the choice of materials, which gave each area its own individual look and feel. It was this employee-friendly approach combined with the fact that the project was expertly completed whilst the site was fully operational which particularly impressed the jury. In her acceptance speech, Carina Schiestl-Swarovski said: "I am delighted and proud to have the honour of accepting this prestigious award. SWAROVSKI OPTIK's primary focus has always been the person, which is why I am particularly pleased that this prize also recognises and honours the employee-friendly approach we took".

The Austrian State Prize for Architecture is awarded every two years by Austria's Minister for Economic Affairs to honour industrial and commercial buildings of exceptional architectural merit, exemplary design and local significance. Its aim is to draw attention to the economic and cultural significance of designing high-quality workplaces and the influence of architecture on employee well-being.