This undated photo shows the China Central Television headquarters in Beijing. Photo: Courtesy of Iwan Baan

 A non-profit architectural organization has reinvigorated the debate over Beijing's controversial China Central Television (CCTV) building by awarding it the title "best skyscraper of 2013," with Net users fiercely divided over the building's appearance. 

The new 234-meter-tall CCTV building, designed by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture and completed in 2012, was named the Best Tall Building Worldwide by The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, who cited the CCTV building's loop structure and "truly three-dimensional experience" as reasons for the award.

"Its stunning form symbolizes the dynamic positioning of its nation on the world stage, whose unique architectural design contrasts significantly with historical building styles in Beijing," said the council.

Ole Scheeren, the architect in charge for the project of the CCTV building, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the award was "important recognition for an iconographic landmark of Beijing and China."

"The building has provoked discussion and polarizes. I believe that the CCTV building represents the possibility of thinking about things differently," said Scheeren.

But Net users in China, who have dubbed the building dakucha or "big underpants," often ridicule the building.

The CCTV building has been in the national spotlight since the structure began to take shape and could be seen on the Beijing skyline.