
The Best in Class Awards were established in 2016 in order to recognize, highlight, and promote companies and initiatives at the forefront of student and shared living, working, and learning. In a young and learning industry, we find it important to honour thought leadership and encourage the exchange of bright ideas.
The awards celebrate the organisations, initiatives, and individuals going that extra mile in making student and shared living more efficient, welcoming, and professional. The eight award categories allow all sectors of our community to be formally recognised for their innovations.
In 2019, The Best in Class Awards attracted around 80 entries. This year again, we strongly encourage everyone who is passionate about student and shared living to apply so as to celebrate your achievements together as a community. Note that your highlighted achievement should have taken place and/or completed in the year 2020 unless stated otherwise.
Jury Panel
Categories
What
An award recognising the development and application of the innovative digital technology that contributes to enhancing the quality of the shared living.
Who
Application
To apply for this category, you will need to answer the following questions:
- Which digital tool/initiative have you launched and how has it positively impacted shared living and/or learning?
- How does your tool/initiative support users in increased engagement, interaction, responsiveness, and/or operational excellence?
- Please provide qualitative and/or quantitative evidence on the effectiveness of your tool/initiative.
Winner
Runners-up
What
Who
Application
To apply for this category, you will need to answer the following questions:
- How has innovation and sustainability been incorporated throughout your design, construction, and operation process?
- How have you facilitated both environmental and social sustainability?
- How have you fostered collaboration and contributed to set the new standard in sustainability practices for the future within the industry?
Winner
- BaseCamp – Lyngby
Runners-up
- Student Experience – Amsterdam Minervahaven
- BRO Upkot by Upgrade Estate
What
Who
Residence life managers/department of shared living operators and higher education institutions.
Application
To apply for this category, you will need to answer the following questions:
- What is your organisation’s holistic approach to improving and addressing the mental health and wellbeing of students/residents?
- To what extent has the initiative been developed with student/resident input and involved in its implementation?
- Please provide qualitative and/or quantitative evidence of student/resident satisfaction, including testimonial(s) about the initiative
Winner
What
An award recognising the new shared living development paying special attention to creating the ultimate space & place. The winner of this award will be a residence that through its design and care for details, creates the best potential for residents to learn, grow, and gain lifelong memories. Please note the property opening has to be in the year 2020.
Who
Shared living operators, investors, developers, and architects.
Application
To apply for this category, you will need to answer the below questions:
- How does the property, in its design and facilities, provide an outstanding experience for residents?
- How does the design and branding of the property contribute to social engagement amongst residents?
- How does the layout and use of the building and its public space encourage engagement with the local community?
Winner
What
An award recognising thought leadership in attracting, retaining, and fostering global talent. We are looking for the best economic development schemes and/or city marketing programmes that made an impact on attracting talent from abroad and leveraging that into local innovation.
Who
Winner
- Paris, France with their 15-Minute City Concept
What
Who
Application
To apply for this category, you will need to answer the below questions:
- What are the identified needs and wants of the residents and which initiatives have you adopted to specifically address/fulfill them?
- How does the layout and branding of the property contribute to social engagement amongst residents?
- Please provide evidence of student satisfaction, supported by qualitative or quantitative data.
Winner
What
Who
Application
To apply for this category, you will need to answer the below questions:
- How has the institution made the efficient and effective use of spaces to accelerate creativity and engagement?
- What kind of spaces have been integrated, improved, or reutilised for new functions in maximising students’ learning outcomes?
- Please provide evidence of student satisfaction, supported by qualitative or quantitative data.
Winner
- Imperial College London with their HyFlex Classroom
What
Who
Employees within the shared living industry.
Application
To apply for this category you will need to answer the following questions:
- How is the employee a change-initiator within the company?
- Which ideas/processes has the employee put forward for the improvement of the organisation’s business practices?
- What impact does the employee have on your team, residents, and the overall shared living industry?
Winner
- Tom Starling, Regional Operations Manager, Chapter London, Greystar
Runner-up
- Cem Ilhan, Cross-Media Designer, Spatial Experience