Celebrating Excellence in Architecture: The EUmies Awards 2026
The EUmies Awards, an esteemed recognition for contemporary architecture organized by the Fundació Mies van der Rohe and the European Commission, has revealed an impressive collection of 410 nominated projects hailing from 40 countries across Europe. This year marks the 19th cycle of the awards, embodying a vision where architecture transcends merely technical boundaries, infusing significant cultural, environmental, and democratic values.
The Jury: Innovators and Influencers in Architecture
The 2026 jury, chaired by the innovative Chilean architect Smiljan Radić, features a diverse panel that includes experts from various countries, each renowned for their contributions to sustainable and context-driven design. With members like Carl Bäckstrand, who champions resilient city design, and Zaiga Gaile, recognized for her conservation efforts, the jury's expertise underscores the award's commitment to recognizing not just architectural beauty, but contextual relevance and innovative practices.
Defining Trends in Architectural Nominations
This year's nominations reveal key trends within the architecture landscape, with 23% of projects focusing on residential housing—both collective and individual homes. Cultural and educational projects are also highlighted, showing a well-rounded approach to community building. Notably, the submissions show a balance between transformations of existing structures (44%) and new constructions (56%), marking a significant focus on sustainability and innovation.
What's Next in the EUmies Awards Journey?
The process will continue in 2026, with the jury narrowing down the nominees to a shortlist of 40 projects by January, followed by seven finalists announced in February. An exciting aspect of this cycle is the engagement with local communities, with jury members visiting each finalist's site, creating a direct connection between architects, builders, and the communities they serve.
Join the Celebration of Architecture
April 2026 will unveil the winners in both Architecture and Emerging Architect categories in Oulu, a European Capital of Culture, while the grand awards ceremony will take place in Barcelona’s historic Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in May. This event will feature debates, presentations, and exhibitions, bringing together notable figures in architecture and engaging the public through the launch of the EUmies Awards Out&About program.
As we look forward to the culmination of this celebration of architecture and culture, it’s clear that the EUmies Awards are not just about recognizing excellence but about fostering community, sustainability, and innovation in architectural practices across Europe.
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