A giant hotel tower covered in plants was just named one of the most innovative real estate developments of 2017

TheOasia Hotel Downtownwas just announced as a winner ofUrban Land Institute's2017-2018 Global Awards for Excellence.The tower won for its distinctive red facade, partially covered with plants.The ULI awardedeight projects in the United States, two in Canada, one in Europe, and two in Asia.On Tuesday, the research nonprofit Urban Land Institute (ULI) announced the 13 winners of the2017-2018 Global Awards for Excellence. The competitionseeks real estateprojects that demonstrate "an innovative, forward-looking approach to design and development" and improve the sustainability and livability of their communities.One of the winners is the Oasia Hotel Downtown, a projectdesigned by local architects fromWOHA in Singapore. It is located inTanjong Pagar,the city's central business district.The hotel won for its stunning red facade that is filled with greenery. The tower stands out among Singapore's concrete, steel, and glass buildings."The intent at the outset was to give back greenery to the city," Daniel Lobo, one of the judges,wrote. "The plants, trees, water gardens, and green spaces attract insects and birds, creating a biophilic environment that engages users of the space."The 27-story skyscraper features 314 hotel rooms, 100 offices, a restaurant, a swimming pool, meeting rooms, a gym, and a garden that's 98 feet above ground level.Completed in 2016, the Oasia Hotel was also the first of its kind in Singapore to have an underpass that directly leads to a subway station. Far East Organization served as the developer of the tower.The photo below shows the construction ofthe facade, comprised of hundreds of red panels.Overall, the ULI awardedeight projects in the United States, two in Canada, one in Europe, and two in Asia.Other winners include theHalf Moon Village, a retirement community in California; theBuffalo Bayou Parkin Houston, Texas; and The New School's University Center in New York City."Cities are about peoplethe way we interact, get around, and go about our daily routines. Great cities are made of great places that make the urban experience easy and enjoyable," Patrick Phillips, ULI global chief executive officer, said in a statement. "These projects reflect the highest standards of design, construction, economics, planning, and management. But most important, they are improving peoples quality of life."SEE ALSO:This futuristic complex in Cairo will feature indoor 'mega-trees' and 1,000 luxury apartmentsJoin the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: Here are the most important differences between the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X
Click here to read full news..