The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has selected architect Hans Papke as the recipient of the 2021-2022 ULI Apgar Thought Leader Award, which recognizes the authors of outstanding written works for Urban Land magazine that exemplify, reflect, and champion best practices in responsible land use.

Established in 2020 by ULI Trustee and Julia Morgan Society member Mahlon “Sandy” Apgar, the biennial ULI Apgar Thought Leader Award encourages original research and innovative ideas about buildings and communities. The winner of this cycle was selected from industry-written thought leadership pieces published in Urban Land magazine and will receive a $1,500 honorarium and free registration for ULI’s Fall or Spring Meeting.

Papke was recognized for his article “Using Biomimicry to Design Smart Buildings” from the Summer 2022 issue of Urban Land magazine. The article investigates how the architectural practice of biomimicry can help improve building performance, maximize energy efficiency, and capture the beauty of the natural environment. Using the Pinal County Attorney’s Office in Florence, Arizona as a case study, Papke details how his design team utilized biomimicry to mirror natural flora from the surrounding desert—specifically, the saguaro cactus.

Read the rest of the press release about Hans and the article.