The Urban Land Institute (ULI) announced the 2009 Awards for Excellence Winners in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Five developments were chosen from around 39 entries, which represent 17 countries. What makes the ULI awards different from other awards is that it does not just take design and architecture into account but also recognizes the project as a whole, including the project’s contribution to the community, its innovativeness, financial success, environmental ‘green’ attributes, response to societal needs, leadership and public/private partnerships. Drum Roll, please. And the winners are…

1. Akaretler Row Houses & W Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey
http://ourbania.com/urban-items/akaretler-row-houses-amp-w-hotel

2. Elm Park, Dublin, Ireland
http://www.ourbania.com/urban-items/elm-park-mixeduse-development

3. Hilton Tower, Manchester, U.K.
http://www.ourbania.de/urban-items/hilton-tower-manchester-uk

4. Leoben Judicial Complex, Leoben, Austria
http://www.ourbania.de/urban-items/leoben-judicial-complex

5. Mountain Dwellings, Copenhagen, Denmark
http://www.ourbania.de/urban-items/mountain-dwellings