RIBA Announces 16 Winners of the International Awards for Excellence 2021

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has recently announced the 16 exceptional projects that have won the RIBA International Awards for Excellence 2021. These projects, from 11 countries, represent a range of structures from large urban masterplans and infrastructure schemes, cultural centres, hospitals and memorials to private residencies. These projects have been selected as the longlist for the RIBA International Prize 2021.

According to RIBA President Alan Jones, “Our global awards show how well-considered, well-delivered, and well-performing architecture has the immense potential to improve lives and communities. We are very pleased to be able to celebrate some of the most innovative, ingenious and impactful architecture in the world – designed by some of the most talented architects of our time.” He further emphasized the importance of considering excellence in architecture at this time when governments, clients and society need the skills and insight of architects.

Among the winners, ALILA Yangshuo by Vector Architects for Landmark Tourist Investment Company is a standout project. The hotel is set in the beautiful Yangshuo region of China, with dramatic karst peaks, verdant vegetation, and the serpentine Li River as a backdrop. The hotel is designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings and takes advantage of the unique geological features.

David Chipperfield Architects Berlin's Amorepacific headquarters is another notable project. Located in Seoul, South Korea, this building is the new home of Amorepacific, one of the largest beauty and cosmetics companies in the world. The building is designed with a focus on the well-being of the employees, with natural light and ventilation, and green spaces integrated throughout the building.

The Friendship Hospital in Satkhira by Kashef Chowdhury/URBANA for Friendship NGO is a project that addresses the urgent need for healthcare in a rural area of Bangladesh. The design of the hospital incorporates local materials and techniques, and the building is elevated above the flood-prone area to protect it from flooding.

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice by MASS Design Group for Equal Justice Initiative is a powerful project that honors the victims of racial terror lynchings in the United States. The memorial is designed to evoke a sense of weight and gravity, with 800 steel columns hanging from a roof, each representing a county where a lynching occurred.

12. Msheireb Downtown Doha Masterplan by Allies and Morrison (+ Arup & AECOM)

for Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation