For the 2022 award, the jury is looking for seminal architectural solutions which are CO2 neutral, factoring in all embodied emissions. The solutions may take the form of a project or a product.
Jury’s statement
CO2 emissions are a major cause for climate change. Its footprints figure heavily in the construction industry, in the production of materials, in the construction process, and in the use and life span of buildings. The CO2 equivalent tables show that in sum total, buildings cause almost half of the annual global CO2 emissions worldwide.
Obviously, architecture is not an observer but an agent in all these matters. Therefore, it has got to be an agent, too, in fighting climate change. Architecture must be a driving force in eliminating all CO2 emissions from the built environment.
The history of architecture bears witness to the fact that built structures can be beautiful, durable, scalable/replicable, and serving a specific purpose or responding to a specific need – and at the same time be almost CO2 neutral in their construction and use.
For the 2022 OBEL AWARD, we are looking for contemporary or high-tech projects that are low or zero emissions, including embodied emissions, in response to the most important and pressing political issue of today; the climate crisis.
FAQ
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?
We do not accept applications for the OBEL AWARD. Identifying a winning project takes place in a closed process.
What does the prize entail?
The winning project 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 or lecture which is open to the public.
When is the award presented?
The next award ceremony takes place on 25 October 2022.