RIBA opens entries for world's best new building

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched the search for the world’s most transformative building.

Established in 2015, the RIBA International Prize is one of architecture’s highest global accolades, awarded to a building that demonstrates visionary thinking, originality, excellence of execution, and makes a distinct contribution to its users, surrounding environment and communities.

The bi-annual prize is one of the world’s most rigorously judged architecture awards, with every shortlisted building visited by a group of international design experts. It is open to any registered architect in the world and awarded to a building of any size, type or budget.

Projects must be environmentally and economically sustainable and provide social value. Leading up to the announcement of the prize, and following visits by local architect ambassadors, RIBA will also present approximately 20 buildings with RIBA International Awards for Excellence in June 2024. Projects that progress to be shortlisted for the International Prize will receive a further visit from the grand jury.

The work of one ‘emerging’ practice, that has been operating for ten years or less, will also be recognised with the International Emerging Architect Award.

The winner of the last RIBA International Prize, presented in 2021, was the Friendship Hospital in Satkhira, Bangladesh, designed by Khashef Chowdury/URBANA. Selected from a shortlist of three outstanding entries, it was praised for its contribution to the client’s philanthropic mission, use of local and traditional crafted materials, and skilful integration into its natural surroundings.

Aleph Zero and Rosenbaum was awarded the RIBA International Prize 2018 for Children Village in northern Brazil, after Grafton Architects won in 2016 for The Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología in Lima, Peru.

Entries for the RIBA International Prize 2024 can be made here.

RIBA is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday 21 November 2023 to share information about the entry process alongside useful insights, tips, and tricks to ensure your entry stands out to the RIBA judges.

RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “RIBA’s International Awards celebrate and recognise buildings that boldly push design boundaries, embrace sustainable technologies, and drive meaningful change.

We want to uncover the world’s most ambitious and impactful projects that provide robust solutions to social and environmental issues faced by communities across the globe.”

All buildings submitted must be located outside the UK and completed between December 2018 and December 2022, meaning they will have been in use for at least one year, and providing jurors with additional key information such as in-use energy performance data.

Entries can be submitted until 17:00 GMT on 7 December 2023. Financial support is now provided via discounted or free entry for architects and practices without the financial resource to enter.

The winner of the RIBA International Prize 2024 will be announced in November 2024 and participate in a special event at the RIBA’s headquarters in London.