Balearic Social Housing Model Wins 2026 OBEL Award

The Balearic Social Housing Model has been honored with the 2026 OBEL Award by the OBEL Foundation for its groundbreaking approach to public housing in the Balearic Islands between 2019 and 2023. This year's award, centered on 'Systems' Hack,' emphasizes architectural innovations that reimagine infrastructure. Spearheaded by Cris Ballester Parets and Carles Oliver Barceló at IBAVI, the model tackles Spain's housing crisis through the use of local materials, circular construction practices, and designs adapted to climate conditions. The jury, which included Nathalie de Vries and Sumayya Vally, praised the project's novel application of public administration. The winners plan to allocate part of the prize for international expansion, with Oliver foregoing his share to support emergency housing efforts. The theme will continue through 2027, with another initiative set to be acknowledged in spring 2027.