The shortlist for the RIBA International Prize 2026 has been revealed, marking the penultimate stage in the awards to recognise architecture, outside of the UK, which demonstrates vision, innovation, excellent execution and makes a positive impact to its users and physical context - whether that's the public realm, the natural environment, or both.
This year’s shortlist includes BRAC University in Dhaka, which transforms a former landfill site into a 15-storey vertical campus for 20,000 students, using natural ventilation, passive cooling and extensive landscaping.
In Rangpur, Green Field Factory incorporates courtyards and gardens into a seven-storey textile factory, creating naturally ventilated workspaces alongside spaces for rest and recreation, inspired by rural Bengali homesteads.
In Brussels, Royale Belge, a landmark 1960s modernist office tower has been transformed into a mixed-use destination with a hotel, restaurant and shared workspaces.
In Hasselt, Z33 extends a 1958 museum within the historic Beguinage, combining new galleries, courtyards and gardens with local materials and traditional construction techniques.
Neil Gillespie, Chair of the RIBA Awards Group said: "Each project demonstrates an exceptional understanding of its context, showing how architecture can enrich everyday life while responding with imagination and purpose to the complex challenges shaping our built environment.”
Explore the 2026 shortlist and discover the stories behind each project.
Over the coming weeks, the four shortlisted projects will be visited by our RIBA International Prize Grand Jury, before the winner is announced at our Stirling Prize event on 15 October 2026.
The 2026 RIBA International Prize Grand Jury comprises:
• Bijoy Jain, grand jury chair, founder of Studio Mumbai
• José Toral representing Peris + Toral Arquitectes
• Dr. Sofie De Caigny, head of collections - New Institute (Rotterdam)
