The European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Awards 2026 has unveiled its distinguished winners, recognizing projects that exemplify architectural excellence and innovative approaches to existing structures. This year's selections underscore a commitment to sustainability and contextual integration in modern design practices. The awards ceremony took place in Oulu, Finland, one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2026, highlighting the cultural significance of the event and its location within a historic architectural setting. These winning projects were chosen from a vast pool of 410 nominations, reflecting the high standards and competitive nature of the prestigious awards.
The awards celebrate architectural endeavors that not only create new forms but also thoughtfully engage with the built environment's existing fabric. The jury’s focus on transformation through repair, reuse, and adaptation signals a shift towards more responsible and resource-efficient architectural solutions. Both winning projects showcase how contemporary design can breathe new life into older buildings and spaces, offering models for future developments. The selection process involved careful consideration of each project's ability to turn site-specific challenges into creative opportunities, fostering an architecture that is both aesthetically compelling and environmentally conscious.
Charleroi Palais des Expositions: A Masterpiece of Renovation
The Architecture Prize was awarded to the remarkable renovation of the Charleroi Palais des Expositions in Belgium, a collaborative effort by AgwA and architecten jan de vylder inge vinck. This project meticulously revitalizes a mid-20th-century convention center, transforming it into a contemporary public space. The designers strategically implemented selective demolition, resourceful reuse of materials, and spatial reconfigurations to enhance the building's functionality and aesthetic appeal. By retaining the original structural system while introducing new elements, the renovation demonstrates a thoughtful balance between preservation and innovation. The former central hall, once an enclosed space, has been ingeniously converted into a dynamic, covered exterior area featuring terraced levels, creating an inviting atmosphere for public interaction.
The renovation strategy focused on improving internal continuity and expanding public access. Circulation pathways were redesigned to foster seamless transitions between different levels and programmatic areas. The introduction of new voids and strategic openings established vertical connections, allowing natural light to penetrate deeper into the building and extending public use beyond the traditional confines. Portions of the structure were creatively adapted to accommodate diverse functions, including parking facilities, landscaped zones, and cultural spaces. A notable feature is the interior void, which acts as a green link connecting various floors and promoting a sense of openness. This project exemplifies how an existing industrial edifice can be reinvented to serve modern needs, prioritizing adaptability, accessibility, and the sustainable reuse of its inherent qualities, thereby prolonging its architectural lifespan and enriching its urban context.
Temporary Spaces for Slovenian National Theatre Drama: An Innovative Adaptive Reuse
The Emerging Architecture Prize was bestowed upon Vidic Grohar Arhitekti for their innovative Temporary Spaces for the Slovenian National Theatre Drama in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This project is situated within a cluster of former industrial structures in the Litostroj area, which have been ingeniously adapted to create a temporary cultural hub for the national theatre during the refurbishment of its primary venue. The architects approached this task with a low-budget, high-impact methodology, reorganizing the existing industrial framework through precise interventions. These alterations have introduced essential performance areas, inviting public foyers, and crucial support facilities, all while preserving the fundamental spatial integrity and industrial character of the site. The design showcases a profound understanding of adaptive reuse, turning limitations into catalysts for creative solutions.
Key interventions in the project include the strategic placement of new elements such as timber constructions, multi-tiered seating, and concrete fixtures, which collectively define a series of interconnected environments. These spaces encompass a Grand Stage, a more intimate Small Theatre, rehearsal rooms, and a public courtyard pavilion, each contributing to a vibrant and versatile cultural landscape. A cornerstone of the design philosophy is its emphasis on reversible construction techniques and the use of recyclable materials. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the temporary structures can be easily dismantled and repurposed in the future, aligning with principles of circular economy and environmental responsibility. The project stands as a testament to flexible and adaptable urban design, offering a transitional yet fully functional setting for cultural production within an evolving city.