Mies van der Rohe 2026 Finalists Announced

The finalists for this year’s Mies van der Rohe Award were revealed, including five main architectural projects and two emerging projects across Belgium, Spain, France, Slovenia, and Croatia.

A modern blue research building with an integrated control tower and solar panels situated in a rocky, snow-covered Antarctic landscape, with a massive snow-capped mountain peak towering in the background. — This architectural shot highlights the Discovery Building, a vibrant light-blue scientific facility characterized by its aerodynamic shape and solar-paneled facade. The structure features a prominent, elevated observation tower with panoramic windows for monitoring local operations. It is set against the dramatic, jagged terrain of Antarctica, where dark volcanic rocks contrast with bright white snow. In the background, a majestic, sharp-peaked mountain dominates the skyline under a clear blue sky, illustrating the isolation and grand scale of the environment.

The buildings, including five regeneration projects, were praised for their exemplary contributions to the future of European architecture.

An aerial wide-angle shot of the Pittsburgh International Airport showing the massive construction of the new terminal building, surrounding runways, and several airplanes docked at existing gates under a clear blue sky. — A bird’s-eye view of the ongoing Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport, showcasing the expansive new landside terminal structure integrated with the existing airfield.

Exclusive Projects Showcase

A selection of exclusive projects that had not been published online before was revealed.
Highlighted projects included:

A high-angle exterior shot of Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, featuring its distinct white steel framework, red accents, and "Intel Gate A" entrance under a pale pink sunset sky. — Levi’s Stadium, designed by HNTB, shown during twilight with the stadium lights beginning to illuminate the structure’s open-framework design.

A multi-functional holiday cabin acting as a “Swiss army knife”
A summer house in a lava field
A waste incineration plant with a spiralling terrace

The Discovery Building in Antarctica, designed by Hugh Broughton Architects with NORR, was also revealed as a multi-purpose facility at Rothera Research Station, built to endure one of the planet’s harshest environments.

A wide-angle shot of the Busan Opera House construction site featuring a massive, curved white geometric lattice facade under a clear blue sky — The striking diagrid structure of the Snøhetta-designed Busan Opera House takes shape on the South Korean waterfront

Forward-Looking Perspective for Architects

Architects are increasingly exploring adaptive reuse, urban regeneration, and resilient design. Projects in extreme climates or with historical constraints offer opportunities to experiment with sustainable materials, modular construction, and multifunctional spaces, pointing toward a more flexible and responsive approach to contemporary architecture.

Announcing the second list of nominated projects for the 2022 edition of the Mies van der Rohe Prize

2026 European Architecture Competition Shortlist Revealed

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The 2026 Mies van der Rohe Award finalists highlight a spectrum of Contemporary and Regenerative architecture across Europe, encompassing both urban regeneration and extreme-environment projects. Key material and spatial strategies include modular construction, durable cladding systems, and multifunctional layouts, exemplified by projects such as a multi-use Antarctic research facility, a spiralling waste-to-energy plant terrace, and adaptable holiday cabins. However, while these works demonstrate innovation and resilience, questions arise regarding their contextual integration and long-term adaptability: do extreme-environment or highly sculptural interventions truly respond to local urban fabric, or risk prioritising architectural ambition over community or functional resilience? Nonetheless, the portfolio underscores a forward-looking trajectory where material expression, multifunctionality, and environmental responsiveness converge, offering valuable precedents for adaptive and climate-conscious design.