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NEWS AWARDS
RIBA announces 34 International Awards for Excellence winners
DY Patil Centre of Excellence by Foster + Partners © Nigel Young
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the 34 winning projects of the RIBA International Awards for Excellence 2026. Recognising inspiring architecture across 15 countries and four continents, this year’s cohort responds directly to urgent social, environmental and urban conditions across the globe. All winning projects are now in contention for the shortlist of the prestigious RIBA International Prize, one of architecture’s highest accolades. The winner will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on 15 October 2026 at Old Billingsgate, London.
Whether addressing climate, migration, housing, rapid urbanisation, or infrastructure, the awarded projects “demonstrate how thoughtful design can positively impact everyday life and help build a more equitable and resilient future.” The winners showcase how existing structures can be “reimagined as vibrant destinations for culture, community and civic life.” In Norway, Kunstsilo by Mestres Wage, BAX and Mendoza Partida transforms a former grain silo into a contemporary art museum, whilst Switzerland’s Transformation Warmbachli by BHSF Architektur & Stadtebau reuses a former Chocolat Tobler warehouse for cooperative housing. Similarly, Rockbund Shanghai by David Chipperfi eld Architects and Arquitectonica converts a historic neighbourhood into a modern cultural
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district connecting the area with the riverfront and park, whilst Taoxichuan Ceramic Culture Industrial Park by Jie Zhang, Beijing An-Design Architects and THUPDI revitalises two abandoned ceramic factories in China’s porcelain capital into a thriving cultural and creative district. Climate responsive design and the use of local materials are also central to this year’s winners, featuring natural ways to cool buildings and lower their carbon output. In France, Chateau de Beaucastel by Studio Mumbai and Studio Mediterranee uses natural airfl ow and shade to create a naturally cooled winery that honours its historic setting, while Parikrama by SPASM Design Architects in India uses shaded walkways and natural ventilation to deal with the hot temperatures of the region.
The Plus by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group © Einar Aslaksen
In Australia, Burnt Earth Beach House by Wardle transforms the site of a former beach shack into a multi-generational family home, using handmade terracotta to respond to the demands of its exposed coastal setting, whilst Vietnam’s Urban Farming Offi ce by VTN Architects wraps its exterior in vegetation to cool the building while producing local food in the heart of the city. Norway’s The Plus by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group joins sustainability highlights as a carbon-neutral furniture factory and public park built from local timber that uses solar power and rainwater to cut its energy demand by up to 90%.
Winning projects demonstrate how design is being used to strengthen communities by creating new spaces for learning and culture. In Uganda, the Bidi Bidi Performing Arts Centre by Hassell provides a vital new space for arts and community within one of the world’s largest refugee settlements, whilst Australia’s Darlington Public School by fjcstudio integrates Indigenous heritage directly within a modern classroom setting. The importance of community also extends to public institutions. BRAC University by WOHA transforms a Dhaka landfi ll into a vibrant and climate-conscious educational hub, while Shanghai Library East by Schmidt Hammer Lassen redefi nes the library as a “collection to connection” model, housing 4.8 million books with a “largely open, publicly accessible landscape.” In Beijing, the Performing Arts Centre by Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Perkins & Will reactivates the Tongzhou waterfront through three monolithic venues for opera, theatre and music, inspired by the site’s industrial heritage. This year’s winning projects include work by leading international practices such as David Chipperfi eld Architects (UK/ Germany), Foster + Partners (UK), BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group (Denmark), Schmidt Hammer Lassen (Denmark), Hassell (Australia), and WOHA (Singapore), alongside acclaimed independent studios including Studio Mumbai (India) and MAKER architecten (Belgium).
YIMBY (Yes In My BackYard) by MAKER architecten © Stijn Bollaert
ADF JULY/AUGUST 2026
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