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all the latest construction news Zebun Nessa Mosque, Saiqa Iqbal Meghna – Studio Morphogenesis
Against all odds, recovery remains on track
RIBA announces 34 winners of the
International Awards for Excellence 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 Wåge, BAX and Mendoza Partida transforms a former grain silo into a contemporary art museum, whilst Switzerland’s Transformation Warmbächli by BHSF Architektur & Städtebau reuses a former Chocolat Tobler warehouse for cooperative housing. Similarly, Rockbund Shanghai by David Chipperfield Architects and Arquitectonica converts a historic neighbourhood into a modern cultural 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, Château de Beaucastel by Studio Mumbai and Studio Méditerranée uses natural airflow 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. 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 Office by VTN Architects wraps its exterior in vegetation to cool the building while producing local food in the heart of the city. 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 fcstudio integrates Indigenous heritage directly within a modern classroom setting. Visit
www.riba.org/news/riba-announces-34-winners-of-the-international- awards-for-excellence for further information.
Glenigan has released its widely- anticipated UK Construction Industry Forecast 2026-2028. Predominantly focused on underlying starts (<£100m in value), unless otherwise stated, it contains a comprehensive overview of the current state of the construction industry. Glenigan’s Summer 2026 Forecast is published against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of domestic and international events, which have shaken global markets to their foundations and rocked the entire UK business and industry landscape. Construction was already one of the
hardest hit sectors. Yet when Glenigan released its last Forecast in the back end of 2025, it had been looking forward to a relatively stable 12 months with modest recovery. Still, no one could have predicted what would happen over the past six months and, with little sign of these phenomena resolving any time soon, figures have had to be revised. However, the good news is the impact is expected to be short-lived. Glenigan’s latest numbers predict that, whilst the year will end in negative growth of -1%, this will be offset by an 11% activity increase in 2027, and 4% in 2028 (+13% on 2025). This is dependent upon a gradual re-strengthening of the UK economy which, although fragile, appears to be withstanding considerable external pressures. Considering the Forecast’s findings, Glenigan’s Economics Director, Allan Wilen, says, “It’s been a turbulent few months for the UK construction sector, with investors and developers reassessing and rescheduling planned projects. However, the economic outlook is expected to improve once the current fog of war dissipates, supporting a strengthening in construction activity from 2027 with an uplift across almost all private and public sector verticals. “As our Forecast shows, there are some
particularly exciting growth areas as Government funding is released and investor appetite starts to return to the market. Contractors will need to be quick off the mark as more favourable conditions are finally felt.” To request a copy visit
www.glenigan. com/market-analysis/reports
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