Engaging Amsterdam's Built Environment: ARCAM Unveils Jury for 2026 Architecture Prize
The Amsterdam Centre for Architecture (ARCAM) has officially launched the Amsterdamse Architectuurprijs (AAP) for 2026, announcing the distinguished juries set to evaluate the city's most impactful new construction projects. This annual award shines a spotlight on buildings within Amsterdam's municipal borders that not only contribute to the city's aesthetic but also address significant social and urban development challenges.
The competition is now underway, with key dates approaching for those following Amsterdam's architectural scene.
The Amsterdam Architecture Prize: Celebrating City Design
ARCAM's Amsterdam Architecture Prize recognizes projects that go beyond mere design, seeking structures that enhance the urban landscape and engage with contemporary issues facing the city. The selection process involves both a professional jury and a public jury, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of nominated works.
Nominations for the ten projects in contention will be revealed by Het Parool on Friday, March 13. This announcement marks the beginning of an intensive period of assessment, including discussions, an exhibition at ARCAM, and a dedicated jury day. The ultimate winners of the 2026 prize will be announced on June 10.
Meet the Juries Guiding the 2026 Selection
ARCAM proudly presents the individuals who will lend their expertise and perspectives to determine the winning projects for 2026. Both the professional and public juries will embark on site visits to the ten nominated projects on May 22 before making their final decisions.
Professional Jury Members
The professional jury for the 2026 Amsterdam Architecture Prize comprises:
- Saman Mohammadi: As CEO of RE:BORN, Saman Mohammadi brings extensive experience in project development and real estate. His work focuses on creating buildings and areas with measurable positive impacts on people, society, and the environment, alongside financial viability.
- Floor Milikowski: A social geographer, urban planner, and journalist, Floor Milikowski is known for her insightful writings on our living environment for De Groene Amsterdammer. She is also the author of several best-selling books exploring urban and land-use themes.
- Floris van der Poel: An architect at De Zwarte Hond, Floris van der Poel has a strong background working with prominent firms. His expertise spans urban planning and architecture, allowing for a deep understanding of projects across different scales.
Public Jury Members: A Focus on Community and Impact
The public jury provides a vital perspective, emphasizing accessibility, social intelligence, and the lived experience of architecture. For 2026, the public prize will be awarded by:
- Mounira Rahou: Growing up in Amsterdam, Mounira Rahou, an operating assistant with multiple specializations, brings a deep connection to the city. She advocates for beautiful and affordable housing for all Amsterdam residents and prioritizes projects that foster community.
- Rona Mathlener: A visual artist, writer, and therapist, Rona Mathlener explores racial inequality, fascism, and democratic erosion in her work, examining how societal structures manifest in space and daily life. She emphasizes the use, physical experience, and social function of buildings, focusing on care, inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability.
- Stan Putman: A journalist for de Volkskrant, Stan Putman is a native Amsterdammer who values the city's spaces and communities. He expresses concern for the future availability of comfortable, beautiful, and dignified living spaces for all residents, not just those with significant financial means.
Key Dates for the 2026 Amsterdam Architecture Prize
Visitors interested in the Amsterdamse Architectuurprijs can mark these upcoming dates:
- March 13: Announcement of the ten nominated projects by Het Parool.
- March 27: Opening of the exhibition at ARCAM, showcasing the nominated projects. Those interested in attending the opening can sign up here.
- May 22: Professional and public juries visit the nominated projects to make their final assessments.
- June 10: The Amsterdam Architecture Prize 2026 ceremony, where the winners will be announced.
The Amsterdamse Architectuurprijs is made possible through the support of financial partners including Aberson, dormakaba, JUNG, QbiQ Wall Systems, and Tarkett.
To discover more about Amsterdam's diverse architecture and urban planning, including places like ARCAM, explore the city's cultural landscape through Musemap (musemap.art). You can browse other cultural spots in Amsterdam or view them on the interactive map.
