The second annual Ammodo Architecture Award has announced 26 recipients recognized for their outstanding contributions to socially and ecologically responsible design practices. Selected from an impressive pool of 168 submissions representing over 60 countries worldwide, this year's laureates encompass a diverse range of architectural practices, from well-established offices to emerging design collectives and community-led initiatives. Each recipient will receive financial grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 to support the continued development and implementation of their innovative projects.
Beyond providing recognition and crucial financial support, the Ammodo Architecture initiative serves as a comprehensive knowledge platform that connects award recipients across different regions and facilitates meaningful exchanges of ideas on key themes identified by the program's advisory committee. This collaborative approach ensures that innovative solutions and sustainable practices can be shared and adapted across various cultural and geographical contexts.
The selection process was overseen by a distinguished international advisory committee chaired by Joumana El Zein Khoury, Executive Director of the World Press Photo Foundation. The expert panel also included prominent figures in architecture and design: Andrés Jaque, Dean of Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation; Anupama Kundoo, Professor at TU Berlin; Floris Alkemade, former Chief Government Architect of the Netherlands; Mariam Issoufou, Professor at ETH Zurich; and Loreta Castro Reguera, Professor at UNAM in Mexico City. The nomination process was carefully coordinated through an invitation system managed by regional ambassadors to ensure comprehensive diversity and representation across all continents.
This year's selected projects span six major global regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, North and Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia and Oceania. The chosen initiatives address a wide spectrum of urban and rural contexts, tackling critical contemporary issues including affordable housing, accessible education, ecological restoration, and innovative collective living solutions. Common themes running throughout the selected projects include adaptive reuse of existing structures, comprehensive urban rehabilitation, preservation and integration of traditional knowledge systems, and restoration of natural ecosystems.
The Social Engagement category recognizes twelve exceptional projects where architects effectively employ design as a powerful tool for achieving social and ecological responsibility. Notable recipients include the Zheshui Natural Library by LUO Studio in China, a remarkable community-built structure nestled in Shanxi's Taihang Mountains, and the Machan_Korail Community Platform by Paraa and local residents in Bangladesh, which transforms a former dumping ground in Dhaka into a vibrant shared space dedicated to art, learning, and community dialogue. LUO Studio plans to establish a co-creation studio focused on rural ecological development in Shangling Village, while Paraa will organize participatory workshops and community events to support new public space interventions.
The Local Scale category features twelve self-initiated spatial projects that demonstrate significant localized social and ecological impact. Standout examples include the Main Stage of MuyunaFest by Espacio Común in Peru, an innovative floating cultural platform constructed entirely with locally sourced materials in Iquitos, and the Magdy El Khouly Street Renovation by Ahmed Hossam Saafan (AHS CxA) in Egypt, a pilot project focused on revitalizing public space in Cairo's Ezbet Khairallah neighborhood through inclusive, small-scale design interventions. Espacio Común plans to construct a new stage for the 2026 edition of Muyuna Fest, which will subsequently serve as a permanent community gathering space, while AHS CxA will develop temporary public interventions aimed at promoting ecological awareness and fostering community participation.
Additional recognized projects include the Terrachidia Oasis Campus by Terrachidia NGO in Morocco and the Adobe Vault by Esfahk Mud Center in Iran, both demonstrating innovative approaches to sustainable construction using traditional materials and techniques. The Ammodo Architecture Award for Social Architecture also recognized significant projects such as Kampung Mrican Phase 1 by SHAU in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and VinziRast am Land by gaupenraub in Mayerling, Austria, both addressing housing and community development challenges through thoughtful architectural interventions.
The comprehensive list of recipients also includes groundbreaking projects such as the Floating Schools for Community Resilience and Sustainable Development by Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha along Bangladesh's Gumani River, the Jackfruit Processing Unit and Community Centre by atArchitecture in collaboration with Anant Foundation and the Government of Meghalaya in India, and The Wild Mile by Urban Rivers in Chicago, Illinois. Each project demonstrates how architecture can serve as a catalyst for positive social change while addressing pressing environmental concerns and community needs through innovative, locally appropriate solutions.
