The Global Award for Sustainable Architecture will take place in Istanbul on April 15, 2026, under the theme “Architecture is Transformation,” as part of World Architecture Day. Supported by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA), the award promotes a sustainable and ethical approach to architecture. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2027 with the theme “Architecture is Equality,” the program continues to highlight architecture’s role as an agent of social transformation.
The 19th edition of the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture will be hosted by Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul. The event will honor architects whose works demonstrate the transformative power of design rooted in sustainability. Saint-Gobain joins as the Official Partner for the third consecutive time.
Situated at the crossroads of Europe and the East, Istanbul embodies the award’s spirit through its coexistence of heritage and innovation, tradition and modernity. Much like sustainable architecture’s ability to build bridges between cultures, technologies, and communities, the city offers a unique setting for reflecting on the future of architecture.
Founded in 2006 by architect and researcher Jana Revedin, the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture annually recognizes five architects, urban planners, or landscape designers whose work reflects ethical values, environmental sensitivity, and innovation. Since 2011 under UNESCO’s patronage, and since 2024 with the support of the UIA, the award has evolved into a global movement rather than merely a distinction.
From Ethics to Action: The Transformative Power of Architecture
The award seeks to move from “think tank” to “do tank,” aiming to create tangible, real-world impact. The 2026 jury, chaired by Prof. Dr. Jana Revedin, includes prominent architects, academics, and researchers from France, Italy, Slovenia, Turkey, Peru, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and China. To date, 95 laureates have been honored, many of whom have gone on to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize — including Wang Shu (2007 / Pritzker 2012), Alejandro Aravena (2008 / 2016), Balkrishna Doshi (2007 / 2018), Anne Lacaton & Jean-Philippe Vassal (2018 / 2021), and Diébédo Francis Kéré (2009 / 2022).
The 20th anniversary in 2027 will be celebrated under the theme “Architecture is Equality.” Applications will remain open until January 30, 2026. The new theme aims to reaffirm architecture’s potential as a transformative force for equality, sustainability, and civic engagement. The 2027 laureates will be announced during a symposium at IUAV University in Venice in May, accompanied by a special publication released by ArchiTangle.
