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On this day after the Academy Awards, it seems appropriate to offer my own acknowledgments to creators of forward-thinking architecture or unusual urban designs—in both the dramatic and humor categories. So, without any song and dance numbers or fancy gowns, here we go:

Best sound in a comedic role

Brooklyn is the setting for this masterpiece in the use of baffling materials in a supporting role. Some 25,000 ping pong balls were used to fill this 90-square-foot apartment of architecture firm partner Daniel Arsham. View the slide show at Fast Company.

Unique lighting in a foreign role

Here in the Ukraine, the candles in this 13^th-floor lobby in a “bad part” of Kiev are lighted every day by a resident who painted the concrete walls to look like Pandora. It’s also my nominee for best art direction.

Selected short subjects in architecture

Rooms in a Tokyo “capsule hotel” are my choice in setting—short subjects. All the drama is crammed into this small setting, a unique locale for a tryst or cat-nap. Read more at Nine Hours.

Best costume

Best costume this year goes to the Urban Cactus High Rise in (no, not Arizona) Amsterdam. Thank the greens personnel behind the scene for this disguised apartment complex that doubles as a hanging garden.

Special effects

The honeycombed apartments on this hillside terrace above Izola Bay in Slovenia take the place of one giant structure, adding depth of character to the role. Read the original script at the 2Modern Blog.

Best adaptation

The Prokops of New York City have made the most out of this 175-square-foot apartment. In a city where studio space comes at a premium, this innovative couple has adapted their act to the size of the stage, using local restaurants for craft service and keeping their wardrobe department elsewhere. They won’t have room for their Oscar, but they deserve it.

Congratulations to all the nominees!