---

For the second year in a row the Royal Institute of British Architects is on the hunt for the world’s best new building. The RIBA International Prize is a highly prestigious award that draws in applicants from some of the greatest architects in the world.

---

This year’s applicants will face an intimidating judging panel led by Elizabeth Diller, partner of US firm Diller Scofidio  + Renfro.  Helping her choose a winner is Joshua Bolchover, co-founder of Hong Kong-based research and design collaborative, Rural Urban Framework, and acclaimed British choreographer Wayne McGregor CBE.

Any architect in the world can apply with any size building, working under any budget. The tough critics will put applicants through a rigorous judging process which consists of two expert panels of jurors visiting each of the shortlisted buildings twice in person, before the Grand Jury selects four finalists to visit for a final time.

The winner of this year’s competition will be announced in November 2018. The judges are looking for a building which exemplifies ‘design excellence, architectural ambition and delivers meaningful social impact.’

Irish firm Grafton Architects were the deserving winners of the 2016 RIBA International Prize for their awe inspiring university UTEC (Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología) in Lima, Peru. The project showed design innovation with its ‘vertical campus’ structure which the 2016 RIBA jury dubbed ‘a modern-day Machu Pichu.’  The firm are currently curating the 2018 Venice Biennale.

Applications for the 2018 RIBA International Prize close on 17 October 2017.