From Salaspils to Kuldiga: which buildings and projects were recognized as the best in Latvia in 2026

The winners of the "Latvian Architecture Award of the Year 2026" (Latvijas Arhitektūras gada balva) have been announced in Latvia. The highest award — the gold prize, or Grand Prix — was awarded to the reconstruction of the culture house in Salaspils, as reported to LETA by the Union of Architects of Latvia. The authors of the winning project are architects Edijs Levins, Agnese Levina, and Iveta Luse. A total of 43 works were submitted for the main architectural award of the country this year. ## Why the culture house in Salaspils won According to the Union of Architects of Latvia, the reconstruction of the culture house in Salaspils offers a new approach to organizing cultural events and using public space. The architects managed to use resources rationally and create a harmonious building, where open supporting structures and natural materials play an important role. The international jury particularly noted the thoroughness of the development of all project elements. In the experts' opinion, the reconstruction represents an architectural work of exceptionally high quality. At the same time, the authors clearly understand the social task of the building — to unite people and make culture a part of everyday life. ## Which projects received silver awards Three projects were awarded silver awards at the "Latvian Architecture Award of the Year 2026": - Konrada Quarter in Cesis. Authors — architectural firms Outofbox and Konvents. - Zuzeum Multifunctional Art Center. Authors — Make Make (Anna Beitz) and Balta istaba (Ilze Rukmane-Pocha). The project received not only a silver award but also a prize for inclusive design. - Reconstruction of the pastor's house and construction of a barn in Kuldiga. Authors — Diānas Zalānes projektu birojs and Field Studio. ## The "Architect of the Year" award was presented for the first time This year, the organizers presented the special "Architect of the Year" award for the first time, established to recognize significant contributions to the development of the industry. It was awarded to Gatis Didrichsons, head of the architectural bureau Didrihsons arhitekti. Special attention at the ceremony was given to inclusive architecture — projects that take into account the needs of different groups of people, principles of equality, and accessibility. The award for inclusive design, presented for the second consecutive year, was received by the authors of two projects: the Zuzeum art center and the reconstruction of the culture house in Salaspils. ## The library pavilion in Bolderaja received a special award The "New European Bauhaus" award was given to the team of the Tandeems society for the library pavilion in the Riga microdistrict of Bolderaja. The winner was determined by a national jury, which noted the project's compliance with the three main values of the "New European Bauhaus" initiative: sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusivity. ## Which project was chosen by the residents In addition to the professional jury, residents of Latvia were also able to make their choice. The winner was the Konrada Quarter in Cesis, which thus received both the silver award from the professional jury and recognition from the voting participants. The main laureates of the award were determined by an international jury, which included Johan Tali from Estonia, Jonas Norsted from Norway, and Ute Schneider, representing Germany and Switzerland. The "Latvian Architecture Award of the Year" is the highest professional award in the field of architecture in the country. It is organized by the Union of Architects of Latvia in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.