Dezeen Magazine

Call for entries to RIBA International Prize 2018

Dezeen promotion: architects from all around the world are invited to enter their projects for the second edition of the RIBA International Prize, to be judged by a panel led by Diller Scofidio + Renfro co-founder Liz Diller.

Dezeen is media partner for the RIBA International Prize 2018, a biennial architecture award that aims to recognise the best new buildings around the globe, from the smallest residential extensions to major public buildings such as concert halls and schools.

The prize is open to any registered architect in the world – not just RIBA members – and all projects are eligible, regardless of size, type or budget.

The jury for the RIBA International Prize 2018 will be chaired by Diller Scofidio + Renfro co-founder Liz Diller

Entries will be judged by a panel of architects and other well-known figures. Also among these will be Joshua Bolchover of Rural Urban Framework, which won the RIBA International Emerging Architect Prize thanks to projects including a hospital in rural China, and dance choreographer Wayne McGregor.

Jurors will look for projects that showcase "visionary and innovative thinking", as well as a consideration for the impact they have on users and the surrounding environment.

Also among the judges will be Joshua Bolchover of Rural Urban Framework, which won the RIBA International Emerging Architect Prize thanks to projects including a hospital in rural China

The first winner of the prize, which was launched in 2016, was Grafton Architects for its vertical, concrete university campus in Peru. Described by judges as a "modern-day Machu Picchu", the Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología (UTEC) was praised as an exceptional example of civil architecture.

The Irish studio went on to be chosen as the curators of the next Venice Architecture Biennale.

"When we heard that our project for the University Campus of UTEC in Lima, Peru, had been chosen as the first International Prize by the RIBA, it was not only a wonderful moment for us as the architects, but also a global endorsement of our client's belief in contemporary architecture," said founders Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara after their win.

Grafton Architects won the first ever RIBA International Prize in 2016 for its concrete university campus in Peru, described by judges as a "modern-day Machu Picchu"

Other projects shortlisted last time around included an elliptical concrete war memorial in France, David Chipperfield's Mexico art gallery and a library and concert hall in Norway.

The RIBA is also responsible for the Stirling Prize, which is one of the top European architecture awards for a single building, and House of the Year, which is now televised as a spin-off of popular show Grand Designs.

The International Prize replaced the RIBA's more limited Lubetkin Prize, which was only for buildings outside of the European Union by RIBA members and fellows. The Lubetkin was scrapped in 2013.

The RIBA is accepting submissions for the International Prize from now up until 17 October 2017.

Once a shortlist has been selected, judges will visit each of these projects in person to decide on the four finalists. The winner will be announced in November 2018.

For more information about how to enter, visit the RIBA website.