By highlighting excellent architectural works that have been constructed over the last two years, the Prize draws attention to the contribution of European professionals in the development of new ideas and technologies, as well as the cultural importance of architecture in the construction of our cities.

Candidates for the Prize are put forward by a broad group of independent experts from all over Europe; the associations that are members of the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE), as well as other national architects associations; and the institutions that form part of the Advisory Committee for the Prize.

At each biennial edition, the jury selects two works: one that receives the Prize and the other the Emerging Architect Special Mention, both in recognition of their conceptual, technical and constructional qualities. The jury also selects a set of shortlisted works to be included in the catalogue publication and travelling exhibition.

The Prize is endowed with 60,000 €, while the Special Mention consists of a cash prize of 20,000 €. The winners are also awarded a sculpture designed by Catalan artist Xavier Corberó inspired by the columns of the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion of Barcelona, symbol of the Prize and one of the 20th century’s major architectural works.