RIBA and Elizabeth Diller launch 2018 International Prize to celebrate 'best in civic architecture'
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has called on practices around the globe to submit their projects for consideration for its 2018 International Prize, which aims to celebrate the world’s best new building.
The prestigious accolade is open to any registered architect in the world and is awarded to a building of any size, type or budget completed within the past two years.
According to RIBA, “the winning building will exemplify visionary and innovative thinking, excellence of execution but also the distinct contribution that it makes to its users and to its physical context.
“The prize celebrates architectural ambition on a global scale and is an invitation to showcase how design is addressing the concerns of today.”
The award was introduced in 2015 to replace RIBA’s global Lubetkin Prize, which was cancelled in 2013 for being too narrow in its remit and exclusive to RIBA members.
The inaugural International Prize was awarded to Grafton Architects in 2016 for their UTECT (Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología) building in Lima, with the jury dubbing the ‘vertical campus’ structure as “a modern-day Machu Picchu”.
This year’s Grand Jury is led by Elizabeth Diller, partner of US firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Two panels will visit each of the shortlisted buildings twice in person, before the main jury selects four finalists to visit in person for a final time.
The winning building will be announced in November 2018.
Architects and clients wishing to be considered can register via the RIBA website.
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