Get ready to be inspired—the Mies van der Rohe Award has just unveiled its 2026 finalists, and they’re a testament to how architecture can breathe new life into our world. But here’s where it gets controversial: among the seven contenders, five are regeneration projects, sparking a debate about whether repurposing old structures is more impactful than creating entirely new ones. Is this the future of sustainable design, or are we losing something by clinging to the past? Let’s dive in.
This year’s shortlist spans Belgium, Spain, France, Slovenia, and Croatia, featuring five architecture finalists and two emerging talents. Each project is celebrated for its ‘exemplary contributions to the future of European architecture.’ In a time when Europe grapples with political, environmental, and social challenges, these designs offer a glimmer of hope, proving that thoughtful, engaged architecture can make a difference. As the awarding body puts it, these works ‘demonstrate the enduring value of design that cares.’
Led by Chilean architect Smiljan Radić, the jury praised the projects for their careful interventions, creating spaces that truly serve people. ‘And this is the part most people miss,’ says architect and jury member Rosa Rull, ‘these finalists show how architecture shapes shared spaces and defines urban landscapes that accommodate our lives.’ They’re not just buildings—they’re catalysts for community and connection.
Take, for instance, the Charleroi Palais des Expositions in Belgium. Designed by AgwA and Architecten Jan de Vylder Inge Vinck, this mixed-use cultural hub transformed a 1950s convention center into a vibrant public space. Or the Rehabilitation of Vapor Cortès - Prodis 1923 in Spain, where H Arquitectes turned warehouses into a non-profit headquarters, complete with a ‘street for the city’ that doubles as a recovered passageway.
One of the most striking projects is Lot 8 in Arles, France. Studios Assemble and BC Architects converted a 19th-century train depot into a circular-design lab for Atelier Luma, using biomaterials like salt and sunflowers. It’s a bold statement about sustainability—but is it enough to address our global environmental crisis? Let’s discuss.
The list also includes the Gruž Market in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where ARP/Peračić-Veljačić added an adjustable, lightweight roof, and the Josephine Baker - Marie-Jose Perec Sports and Cultural Centre in France, designed by Onze04. Its sweeping textile roof brings natural light and ventilation to a space that hosts regional competitions. Among the emerging finalists are the Multi-Service Cultural Centre Le Foirail in France and the Temporary Spaces for Slovenian National Theatre Drama in Ljubljana, both showcasing innovative use of existing structures.
The winners will be announced on April 16 at the European Capital of Culture 2026, followed by a ceremony in Barcelona in May. Past winners, like the steel-framed Study Pavilion by Gustav Düsing and Max Hacke, remind us that architecture can be both timeless and forward-thinking. But here’s the question we can’t ignore: as we celebrate these achievements, are we doing enough to make sustainable design accessible to all? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going.
