Van Alen Institute Revives Paris Prize as Re:Paris Prize with Pan-African Biennale
The Van Alen Institute (VAI) has reintroduced its historic Paris Prize, now named the Re:Paris Prize, which emphasizes reparative urbanism within the global post-colonial context. This initiative was launched in conjunction with the inaugural Pan-African Biennale in Nairobi, Kenya, taking place from September 7 to 11. The prize will honor three designers—two from Africa and one from the U.S.—each awarded a fellowship of $35,000. Hayley Eber, VAI's executive director, highlighted the importance of confronting historical biases in architectural evaluation. The jury features prominent individuals such as Nora Akawi and Ifeoma Ebo. The Africa-based winners will be revealed on September 10, while the U.S. winner will be announced in December, with presentations scheduled for fall 2027 at VAI's Gowanus site.
Key facts
- Van Alen Institute revived the Paris Prize as Re:Paris Prize after a 30-year hiatus.
- The prize now focuses on reparative and regenerative urbanism across the post-colonial world.
- The inaugural Re:Paris Prize partners with the Pan-African Biennale, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 7 to 11.
- The original Paris Prize was awarded from 1904 to 1997 by the Society of Beaux-Arts Architects, later renamed the National Institute for Architectural Education.
- Early winners received a year of study in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts; notable winners include Max Abramovitz and William Van Alen.
- Three designers—two from Africa and one from the U.S.—will each receive a $35,000 travel fellowship.
- Hayley Eber is VAI's executive director; Omar Degan is the founding curator of the Pan-African Biennale.
- The jury includes Nora Akawi, Ifeoma Ebo, Mark Gardner, Kabage Karanya, and Mphethi Morojele.
- Africa-based winners will be announced on September 10 at the biennale; the U.S. winner will be announced in December.
- Winners will present their projects at VAI's Gowanus, Brooklyn storefront in fall 2027 and at the second Pan-African Biennale in 2028.
Entities
Artists
- Max Abramovitz
- William Van Alen
- Hayley Eber
- Omar Degan
- Nora Akawi
- Ifeoma Ebo
- Mark Gardner
- Kabage Karanya
- Mphethi Morojele
Institutions
- Van Alen Institute
- Society of Beaux-Arts Architects
- National Institute for Architectural Education
- Pan-African Biennale
- École des Beaux-Arts
- The Cooper Union
- Creative Urban Alchemy
- Cave_bureau
- MMA Design Studio
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Nairobi
- Kenya
- Brooklyn
- New York City
- United States
- Gowanus
- Manhattan
- Africa
- U.S.