Architecture from Flanders is once again receiving international recognition. Several Belgian projects have been shortlisted for the 2026 Erich Mendelsohn Award for Brick Architecture, reaffirming the quality and relevance of contemporary architectural practice in Flanders.
The seventh edition of the Erich Mendelsohn Award for Brick Architecture attracted unprecedented international interest. More than 500 projects from over 40 countries were submitted for the prestigious prize, which is awarded every three years. The strong representation of Belgian designers underlines the high regard in which their work is held within the international architectural community. The winners were announced on 4 September during a ceremony in Berlin.
When assessing the entries, the jury for the 2026 Erich Mendelsohn Award for Brick Architecture focused on three criteria: the design and structural use of brick as a material, a considerate approach to existing buildings, and attention to social aspects.
Based on these criteria, the jury awarded the Grand Prix, the competition’s highest honour, to the extension of Het Steen in Antwerp, designed by noAarchitecten.
For the first time, the Grand Prix goes to Belgium, a country whose architectural heritage has been closely linked to brick for centuries. In the extension and restoration of Het Steen, the medieval castle complex in Antwerp, noAarchitecten have used brick as a unifying element between the historic heritage and contemporary architecture. The project won over the jury through its careful handling of the historic building stock and the way in which the monument was opened up as a vibrant public space.
Belgian architecture also received a remarkably high level of recognition in the other categories. In the Public Buildings, Recreation and Sport category, the silver prize went to dmvA for the redevelopment of the Wasserijsite in Ghent. In addition, Abby Kortrijk by Barozzi Veiga and TAB Architects, and the conversion of the Hasselt beguinage by Bovenbouw Architectuur and David Kohn Architects were also nominated.
In the Residential Building / Apartment Complex category, Studio Jan Vermeulen received a Special Mention for ‘Felix’ in Brussels. Other nominees included the apartment block in the Antwerp docks by Bovenbouw Architectuur and YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard), and the social and urban densification project by MAKER architects in Kortrijk.
The results confirm the strong international standing of architecture from Flanders. Both new-build and regeneration projects were recognised for their thoughtful use of materials, social relevance and careful integration into their surroundings. The fact that Belgian projects feature amongst the winners and nominees in several categories once again underlines the high quality and international standing of architectural practice in Flanders.
The Award for Brick Architecture has been presented every three years since 2008 by the Bauen mit Backstein initiative. Now in its seventh edition, this independent and non-commercial architecture prize once again honours the best brick architecture projects and brings them to the attention of a wide audience, across four categories.
The competition invites architects and designers to demonstrate the full architectural potential of brick, a building material with both a rich tradition and an innovative future. An independent jury of renowned experts forms an essential part of the award, as do the many collaboration and media partners supporting the initiative. Together, they ensure strong and high-quality public visibility for one of Germany’s most important architectural awards.
