EUmies Awards 2026: Architecture’s Brightest Stars Shine, Including Rising Talent from Eastern Europe
Brussels – The European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award has unveiled its nominees for the 2026 cycle, showcasing 410 exceptional projects from across Europe. This year’s selection highlights a particularly strong showing from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, signaling a growing dynamism in architectural innovation within these nations. The awards, considered among the most prestigious in the field, recognize excellence in architectural design and contribution to the built environment.
The initial longlist, announced this week, represents a diverse range of building typologies and approaches, reflecting the evolving challenges and opportunities facing contemporary architects. A jury led by renowned architect Smiljan Radić will now begin the rigorous process of evaluating the nominees, ultimately selecting a shortlist and, finally, the winners.
The EUmies Awards: A Legacy of Architectural Excellence
Established in 1987, the EUmies Awards (formerly the Mies van der Rohe Award) are bestowed every two years to recognize outstanding achievements in European architecture. The prize aims to highlight the quality of architectural production and to draw attention to the role of architects in shaping the future of our cities and landscapes. The award isn’t simply about aesthetics; it celebrates projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and a sensitive response to their context.
This year’s expanded nomination process, resulting in 410 selected works, underscores the increasing interest in and quality of architectural projects across the continent. The jury’s task will be to identify those projects that not only exhibit exceptional design but also address critical social, economic, and environmental concerns. What criteria will ultimately sway the jury’s decision? The emphasis on sustainable practices and community engagement is expected to be particularly strong this year.
The inclusion of nominees from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine is particularly noteworthy. These countries, undergoing significant political and economic transitions, are witnessing a surge in creative architectural responses to unique challenges. The nominated projects represent a powerful statement about the resilience and ingenuity of architects working in these regions. EU NEIGHBOURS east reports on the significance of this representation.
Smiljan Radić, the jury’s president, brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive architectural vision to the evaluation process. His firm, Elemental, is known for its socially conscious and innovative designs. ArchDaily provides a detailed gallery of the nominated works and introduces the jury members.
The question remains: will the Mies van der Rohe Award ever be bestowed upon a Polish project? Architektura & Biznes explores the history of Polish submissions and the challenges faced by architects in the country.
Further details on the nominated projects and the jury’s deliberations can be found on ArchDaily.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EUmies Awards
What is the primary focus of the EUmies Awards?
The EUmies Awards primarily focus on recognizing excellence in contemporary architecture across Europe, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and social impact.
How many projects were nominated for the 2026 EUmies Awards?
A total of 410 projects were nominated for the 2026 EUmies Awards, representing a wide range of architectural styles and approaches.
Who is leading the jury for the 2026 EUmies Awards?
The jury for the 2026 EUmies Awards is led by renowned architect Smiljan Radić, known for his socially conscious and innovative designs.
What is the significance of the increased representation from Eastern European countries in this year’s nominations?
The increased representation from countries like Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine signifies a growing architectural dynamism and innovation within these regions.
Where can I find more information about the nominated projects?
Detailed information about the nominated projects can be found on the ArchDaily website and other architectural publications.
The announcement of the nominees marks an exciting chapter in European architecture. As the jury begins its deliberations, the anticipation builds for the unveiling of the winners, who will undoubtedly shape the future of the built environment. What impact will these awards have on the broader architectural landscape? And how will the winning projects inspire future generations of architects?
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