EVENTS & AWARDS NEWS
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.
Architect Projects
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.
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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