The first edition of the European Collective Housing Award opens for applications

> The award, which celebrates architectural excellence and its positive social impact, is promoted by the Basque Country Institute of Architecture and Arc en Rêve Centre d’Architecture in Bordeaux, with the support of the Department of Territorial Planning, Housing and Transport of the Basque Government.
> The prize covers 46 countries of the Council of Europe and will serve as a platform for the projects of participating individuals and companies.
> The projects submitted will be evaluated by a prestigious jury, with the winner of the Pritzker Prize in 2021, Anne Lacaton, as president.

Basque Country Architecture Institute and Arc en Rêve Centre d’Architecture, with support from the Department of Territorial Planning, Housing, and Transport of the Basque Government, are announcing the first edition of the European Collective Housing Award. Submissions are now accepted for its inaugural edition, and will remain open until 2 April.

The award is aimed at all areas related to collective housing, from architecture and urban planning professionals to experts in the construction sector, users or public administrations. All of them will be able to present built developments, both public and private. The prize will culminate in a ceremony at which the winners will be announced and will form part of an exhibition that will first be installed at the Basque Country Institute of Architecture and then at Arc en Rêve in Bordeaux.

The entries will be judged by a prestigious international jury headed by the renowned Anne Lacaton. The French architect is a leading figure in the world of architecture, known for her ethical and human-centred approach. Lacaton, together with her partner Jean-Philippe Vassal, has gained worldwide recognition for her innovative work through her studio Lacaton & Vassal. Their innovative approach, focusing on the rehabilitation and improvement of existing structures, earned them the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 2021, cementing their status as pioneers in the field. The rest of the jury will be announced in the coming weeks.

An award for architectural excellence and sustainable urban development

European cities bear witness to a rich history of collective housing, which shapes the continent’s identity and values. From historic landmarks to contemporary innovations, collective housing reflects Europe’s commitment to social cohesion, architectural innovation and sustainable urban development.

European collective housing is a cornerstone of Europe’s architectural heritage, reflecting the continent’s rich history and values from its roots in the development of centuries-old cities to its evolution through post-industrial eras. Despite this, it has also witnessed phenomena such as the stigmatisation of social housing and urban crises.

The new millennium is now seeing a resurgence of collective housing, in line with European ideals of well-being and contemporary socio-environmental concerns. Emphasising the importance of housing as a fundamental human need and social asset, the European Collective Housing Award encourages innovation, inclusivity and environmental responsibility in collective housing design.

As such, it will serve as a platform to showcase innovative architectural achievements, encourage dialogue between professionals and inspire future initiatives. Covering 46 countries within the Council of Europe, it will provide a unique platform for participating individuals and companies to showcase their projects. Specifically, proposals may be submitted by the different Public Administrations responsible for promoting national, international, provincial or municipal developments; the development company, either individually or as a group; the architects of the development project, either individually or as a team; the construction companies participating in the development; and the users of the developments, either individually or collectively. The rules can be consulted on the award website.

This emphasis on collective housing, a first for such an award, underscores its commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges while fostering sustainable urban development practices across Europe and beyond. The award is a joint initiative of the Basque Institute of Architecture and Arc en Rêve Centre d’Architecture, Bordeaux, and is supported by the Department of Territorial Planning, Housing, and Transport of the Basque Government.

This collaboration underscores the collective commitment to fostering excellence in architectural design and promoting equitable housing solutions. These recognised institutions ensure that the European Collective Housing Award catalyses meaningful dialogue and action, shaping the future of urban living on a continental scale.