The UIA Architecture and Children Work Programme has launched the sixth cycle of the Golden Cubes Awards, set for 2026

These triennial awards aim to promote architectural education for children and youth, encouraging future generations to play an active role in shaping more sustainable, inclusive, and human-centred environments. Eligible projects may include educational programmes, tools, media, or activities designed for young people from preschool through 18 years of age.

The Golden Cubes Award Ceremony will be held during the UIA World Congress of Architects in Barcelona, from 28 June to 2 July 2026.

AWARD CATEGORIES 

Each UIA Member Section may nominate one entry per category:

• School Award: General education schools

• Institution Award: Museums, foundations, associations, NGOs

• Written Media Award: Books, articles, guides, printed materials

• Audio-Visual Media Award: Documentaries, TV programmes, films, multimedia tools

Starting this edition, the international jury will present a Special Award to one nominated project that meaningfully addresses urgent global challenges such as war, natural disasters, climate crisis, or social disruption. 

ELIGIBILITY

Projects from all countries are eligible, provided they meet the criteria in the “Award Objectives” and “Award Categories” sections. Participants from non-UIA member countries may apply via nomination from a neighbouring UIA Member Section. To be redirected to the relevant proxy countries organising the Award, participants must inform the UIA Secretariat of their intention to participate by emailing: awards@uia-architectes.org.

Members of the jury and their immediate relatives, business partners, employees, or students are not eligible to participate, nor are the members of the UIA Architecture and Children Work Programme, UIA Secretariat, Council, or National Nomination Bodies.

Award Process

Phase A – National Nomination

Each participating UIA National Member Section must:

• Appoint an organisation to manage the national nomination process.

• Confirm participation by emailing: awards@uia‐architectes.org.

• Promote the awards and issue a national call for entries.

• Establish a National Nomination Body.

• Nominate one project per award category.

• Submit selected entries to the UIA following the official guidelines.

• Announce the nominated entries via press release.

Phase B – International Process

The UIA Architecture and Children Work Programme will:

• Evaluate national nominations.

• Organise jury deliberations that will select one winner per category.

• Notify all National Member Sections of results.

• Present awards in a seminar during the UIA Barcelona 2026 World Congress of Architects.

• Publish results online and feature them in an online exhibition.

KEY DATES

• Launch of Awards: 16 July 2025

• National Participation Confirmation: 1 September 2025

• Deadline for Questions: 15 November 2025

• Deadline for Answers: 14 December 2025

• Deadline for Submission of National Nominations to the UIA: 16 March 2026

• Announcement of Winners: May 2026

• Award Ceremony and Seminar: 28 June – 2 July 2026 (UIA Congress, Barcelona)

JURY

• Takaharu Tezuka (Japan), Architect – Jury President

• Carolina Pizarro (Costa Rica), Architect, UIA Representative, Architecture and Children Work Programme Co-director

• Rosan Bosch (Denmark/Netherlands), Designer and Artist, Specialist in Educational Environments

• Salma Ben Tanfous (Tunisia), Architect

• Alejandro Vallejo (Costa Rica), Architect

• Cătălina Ulrich-Hygum (Romania), Educational scientist specialist

• Ran Cohen Harounoff (Israel), Children’s Media Specialist

Alternate juror

• Suzanne de Laval (Sweden), Architect, UIA Representative, former Co-director of the Architecture and Children Work Programme

Award Manager

• Mina Sava (Romania), Architect, Architecture and Children Work Programme Co-director

LANGUAGES

National-level entries may be submitted in the official language of the country; however, National Nominating Bodies must also accept submissions in English. This ensures accessibility for participants from countries not officially organising the Award.

International-level submissions must be fully in English.

AWARDS AND PROMOTION

Each international winner will receive a trophy and certificate, and free admission to the UIA Congress. All winning and nominated projects will be exhibited and promoted via :

• UIA Congress exhibition

• UIA Architecture and Children Work Programme Seminar during the Barcelona Congress

• UIA and Work Programme websites

• Online video showcase

• UIA newsletters, publications, and social media

• International media outlets

There will be one winner and one special mention per category. The jury can decide to award an extra special mention per category if needed, as well as prepare a list of finalist proposals.

SUBMISSION AND CONTACT

All entries must be submitted through the UIA Awards Platform

For inquiries, please contact: awards@uia-architectes.org