RIBA International Prize 2026 Shortlist Revealed: Four Buildings Compete for World's Best
The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) has revealed the four finalists for the RIBA International Prize 2026. The shortlisted projects include BRAC University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, designed by WOHA; the Green Field Factory in Rangpur, Bangladesh, created by Nakshabid Architects; Royale Belge in Watermael-Boitsfort, Brussels, Belgium, a collaboration between Caruso St John Architects and Bovenbouw Architectuur with DDS+; and Z33 in Hasselt, Belgium, by Francesca Torzo Architetto. The winner will be announced on 15 October 2026. This shortlist emphasizes designs that enhance everyday living while tackling climate change. Additionally, the 2026 awards celebrate the tenth anniversary of the RIBA International Prize, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the RIBA Stirling Prize, whose winner will also be disclosed in October in London.
Key facts
- RIBA International Prize 2026 shortlist comprises four buildings.
- Winner to be announced on 15 October 2026.
- Shortlisted projects: BRAC University (Dhaka, Bangladesh) by WOHA; Green Field Factory (Rangpur, Bangladesh) by Nakshabid Architects; Royale Belge (Brussels, Belgium) by Caruso St John Architects and Bovenbouw Architectuur with DDS+; Z33 (Hasselt, Belgium) by Francesca Torzo Architetto.
- The prize recognizes buildings that improve daily life while responding to climate change.
- 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of the RIBA International Prize.
- The RIBA Stirling Prize celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, first awarded in 1996.
- Neil Gillespie is chair of the RIBA Awards group.
- BRAC University transforms a former landfill into a 13-storey campus for 20,000 students.
- Royale Belge is a reuse of a 1960s modernist landmark by René Stapels and Pierre Dufau.
- Z33 is located within Hasselt's historic Beguinage.
Entities
Artists
- Neil Gillespie
- René Stapels
- Pierre Dufau
- Francesca Torzo
- Ellie Stathaki
- Tadao Ando
- Rem Koolhaas
Institutions
- RIBA
- Nakshabid Architects
- WOHA
- Caruso St John Architects
- Bovenbouw Architectuur
- DDS+
- Francesca Torzo Architetto
- Karupannya Rangpur Limited
- BRAC University
- Z33
- Wallpaper*
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- Bartlett School of Architecture
- Thames & Hudson
Locations
- Rangpur
- Bangladesh
- Dhaka
- Belgium
- Brussels
- Watermael-Boitsfort
- Hasselt
- London
- Greece
- Thessaloniki