ABOUT THE AWARD
The OBEL AWARD is a new, international prize for architecture that honours recent and outstanding architectural contributions to human development all over the world.
The OBEL AWARD offers an incentive to architects worldwide to consider their obligations towards the common good. The award also aims to increase awareness in the general public of the transformative and social value of architecture.
A distinguished international jury elects the winning project of the OBEL AWARD.
The next OBEL AWARD will be presented on 21 October 2021.
THE WINNER 2020
The second winner of the OBEL AWARD is the project “Anandaloy”, Bangladesh 2017-2020, by Studio Anna Heringer.
THE WINNER 2019
The first winner of the OBEL AWARD is the project “Water Garden”, Tochigi 2013-2018, by JUNYA ISHIGAMI+ASSOCIATES.
THE JURY
The OBEL AWARD jury consists of members with a strong architectural profile but also distinguished professionals from other backgrounds. The current jury comprises: Martha Schwartz (Chair), Louis Becker, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, Wilhelm Vossenkuhl, and Xu Tiantian
SEMINAL ARCHITECTURE
Certain works of architecture exhibit a promise of transformation. These are works that test the boundaries of architecture and transcend the age in which they are created.
The OBEL AWARD has been founded to identify and reward these seminal works for their ability to inspire contemporary and future generations.
FEATURED PROJECTS
PRODUCT DESIGN
Lillehammer Art Museum
Snøhetta architects
See project
PRODUCT DESIGN
Lillehammer Art Museum
Snøhetta architects
See project
PRODUCT DESIGN
Lillehammer Art Museum
Snøhetta architects
See project
FAQ
What does the prize entail?
The award winner receives a prize sum of €100,000. The winner also becomes a member of the award winner network and will be invited to all OBEL AWARD ceremonies and events.
The award winner is expected to give a masterclass which is open to the public.
When is the award presented?
The first award ceremony took place on 22 October 2019 in Aalborg, Denmark – the birthplace of the founder Henrik Frode Obel. The next award ceremony will take place on 21 October 202o.
What are the criteria for the award?
The award is given to physical works or projects inaugurated within the past five years. The award can be given to an architect or group of architects, and the award-winning projects can range from manifesto to master plan and include buildings, landscape projects, and exhibitions.
The OBEL AWARD can be won by any eligible candidate regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, ideology, or age.
How can I apply?
Candidates cannot apply for the OBEL AWARD. The nominations take place in a closed process: Candidates for the award are proposed by a number of scouts all over the world, i.e. trusted and independent experts, professionals, and specialists within the field of architecture and other fields. This ensures that the award has a global perspective and reach. The OBEL AWARD does not accept nominations from sources other than the appointed experts.
How is the jury picked?
Discovering and evaluating seminal works of architecture requires high professional competence as well as an ability to see the big picture. Therefore, the OBEL AWARD appoints a jury that consists of members with a strong architectural profile but also distinguished professionals from other backgrounds.
The jury consists of 4-7 members, and each member is appointed for 3 years. The head of the jury is appointed for a minimum of six years.
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