43 Works Submitted for Latvian Architecture Annual Award 2026; Finalists to Be Announced in September
The competition received 31 objects and 12 processes from across Latvia. Finalists will be revealed in September, with the award ceremony on October 17.
A total of 43 works have been submitted for this year's Latvian Architecture Annual Award (LAGB), showcasing the current state of architecture and processes in the country. Entries are evaluated in two categories: objects (completed buildings) and processes (research, publications, events). Among the submissions, 31 are objects and 12 are processes, realized in various Latvian cities and regions, including Riga, Daugavpils, Liepāja, Cēsis, Talsi, Salaspils, Jēkabpils, Pāvilosta, and Ārciems.
In the first round, a national jury of seven architects and other experts, chaired by architect Miķelis Putrāms, will assess the works. The jury includes philosopher and publicist Rūdis Bebrišs, indicating a broad evaluation scope that considers not only construction but also architectural thinking. Two sets of criteria will be applied: those from the Latvian Ministry of Culture's Architecture Strategy 2022–2027 and the Davos Quality System, which comprises eight parameters such as beauty, sense of place, context, diversity, economy, environment, functionality, and governance.
Artūrs Lapiņš, president of the Latvian Association of Architects, emphasizes that the applications demonstrate the sector's vitality, thoughtfulness, and social responsibility. He notes that adaptive reuse of existing historical fabric still dominates, as seen in projects like the Palm House in the Botanical Garden, the Medical History Museum's education center, the Zuzeum art museum, the Ķīpsalas Keramika apartment building, and office spaces in the former VEF boiler house. Additionally, strong process works have been submitted, including the Riga Street Typology Handbook, the book "Kultūrtelpa" (Cultural Space), the INCM Resonate forum, and a study on youth detention facilities. Lapiņš also stresses that quality is not a monopoly of Riga.
Finalists will be announced at a press conference in September, when the international jury composition will also be revealed. The awards include three main prizes: Finalist Diploma, Silver Annual Architecture Award, and Gold Annual Architecture Award GRAND PRIX, along with special recognitions. The award ceremony will take place on October 17 in Riga, open to all interested. All submitted works can be viewed on the Latvian Association of Architects' website.
