RIBA launches International Prize for world's best new building, Richard Rogers to chair Grand Jury

RIBA is establishing their own award for the world's best new building of the year, naming it the RIBA International Prize. Launched today, the International Prize will be awarded to the building that best exemplifies innovative thinking and stellar design execution, while also creating positive social impact to its environment. According to RIBA, the International Prize was created for "the general advancement of Civil architecture", as stated in their 1837 charter.

Starting today, registered architects worldwide can send submissions — regardless of style, scheme type, scale, and budget — until the February 9 deadline.

Read on for more.

For the first edition of the prize, submitted buildings must have been completed within the past three years (Jan. 1, 2013 - Feb. 1, 2016). In later editions, the prize will be awarded to a building completed within 2 years.

So far, the Grand Jury includes three notable names: Jury Chair Richard Rogers, founding director of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners; NLÉ Projects director Kunlé Adeyemi; and Philip Gumuchdjian of Gumuchdjian Architects. The full list of jurors will be revealed in early 2016.

'I’m delighted to lead the jury for the inaugural RIBA International Prize and look forward to discovering how architecture is reacting to and resolving issues posed by the changing demands of a global community,' Richard Rogers said in a statement.

RIBA President Jane Duncan stated: 'It is our intention that the RIBA International Prize will uncover the world’s most innovative and visionary architecture and spark local and global debates about the positive impact that well-designed buildings and places can have on their communities and environment.'

The rigorous evaluation process starts with two expert jury panels who will each visit the shortlisted projects in person. Once the 20 winners of the RIBA Awards for International Excellence are selected, the Grand Jury will choose six finalist projects from that group and visit the sites once more. The winner of the International Prize will then be selected. As of now, the Prize winner will be announced in December 2016.