Simon architecture Prize

Presentation

This Prize aims to recognise excellence in architecture. It distinguishes those works which strengthen the ability of adaptability of spaces to reach comfort and well-being to its residents. Architecture which turns into quality places for people’s every day lives: for working, learning, playing,… Architecture to be lived in.

Living Places – Simon Architecture Prize is an initiative of Simon and it is developed by the Fundació Mies van der Rohe.

Prize structure

Collective Places and Personal Places constitute the two categories around which the Prize is structured and reflect our interest in architecture planned and explained from the user’s perspective. An interest that focuses on experiences that put spaces to the test rather than on degree 0 of architecture frozen in the instants prior to being handed over to society and the city.

Prize methodology

The focus on the inhabitant is also reflected in the Prize methodology. The video, considered to be an instrument to bring architecture closer to the public in general and to convey the atmosphere of the place, is the main document to be submitted. The participation process includes users, inhabitants and citizens and allows them to propose those works they regard as worthy of consideration on the part of the jury.

Living places 2026

The sixth edition of the Prize will be open soon. Nominations for any work located within the Prize territories—Europe, Mexico, Brazil, and Morocco—can be submitted from May 27 to September 14. Interested architects can present their nominated projects within this submission period. The international jury will meet in November to deliberate and choose the winning projects. The finalists will be announced in December. The award ceremony will take place in February 2027.

Deadline for NOMINATION: September 14
Deadline for SUBMISSION: October 5

Rules + faq

• What kind of works may be submitted?
  All works completed and occupied between January 1 2024 and December 31 2025 and built on European territory, Mexico, Brasil and Marocco.
• Who may submit works?
  The architects of the works, regardless of nationality and country of residence. They may present their works either individually or as a team.
• Who may propose works?
  The clients or the users of the works, the architects who are the authors of the project, their collaborators (interior designers, technical, industrial architects, suppliers, …), any citizen.
• Is there any submission fee?
  No, inscription for and participation in the Simon Architecture Prize are entirely free of charge.
• How many works may be nominated?
  There is no limit.
• How many works by the same Architect may be submitted?
  Up to 4 works by the same authors may be registered, regardless of the categories.
• How may the required documents be submitted?
  The documentation relating to the works must be submitted online, through the link provided by mail. It is essential to pre-register on the web in order to deliver the requested documents.
• Who may submit the requested documents?
  The Architects responsible for the proposed works.
  Those proposals in which the members of the jury have participated in their personal capacity (or their companies) may not be accepted.
• Who decides in which of the two categories the works are submitted?
  The Architects responsible for the proposed works.
  The jury can estimate to change the category of the works if they consider it.
• Who is granted the 10.000 € cash award for each of the two categories?
  The Architects responsible for the winning works.
• Should the winning works have been proposed by clients, collaborators or residents, will they receive any kind of acknowledgement?
  Yes. In this case they will be invited to attend the prize-giving ceremony, during which they will be acknowledged for their contribution to the Simon Architecture Prize.
• May the Simon Architecture Prize be declared void?
  No. It is the obligation of the present edition’s Jury to announce five finalist works and select one as the winner in each of the two categories.

Nomination form

The competition encourages participation from architects, urban planners and landscape architects, but also the general public. Any individual may nominate that piece of architecture, that architectural space that has caught their eye, or which has special relevance for them. Entries are open to all projects finished in the two years previous to the prize, and which were constructed in Europe, Mexico, Brazil or Morocco.

Start filling the nomination form.

Once completed, the authors of the work will receive an email within a few days.

More informations on the official website.