Erich-Mendelsohn-Preis 2026 | News

Why Erich Mendelsohn Is Still Relevant Today

What significance does Erich Mendelsohn hold for contemporary architecture? David Fishman addressed this question in his welcoming remarks at the award ceremony for the 2026 Erich Mendelsohn Prize for Brick Architecture, held in Berlin on September 4. Fishman is currently working on a biography of Erich Mendelsohn. Drawing on Mendelsohn’s life and work, his speech demonstrates why Mendelsohn’s approach to architecture remains relevant today. We are publishing the talk here in its original English version.

Author and architectural historian David Fishman gave a talk on the significance of Mendelsohn for the present day at the 2026 Erich Mendelsohn Prize award ceremony.
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The Winners 2026

At the award ceremony on 4 September, the winners of the Erich Mendelsohn Award 2026 for Brick Architecture were announced. In reaching its decision this year, the jury placed particular emphasis on three criteria: the design and constructive use of brick as a material, a sensitive approach to existing buildings, and the consideration of social aspects. Based on these criteria, the jury selected the extension of Het Steen in Antwerp by noAarchitecten as the Grand Prix Winner. 

Erich-Mendelsohn-Preis 2026 | News

99 Places Where Brick Sets the Standard

The jury of the Erich Mendelsohn Award 2026 for Brick Architecture has reached its decision: from more than 500 entries, the jurors selected 99 architecture firms and projects from 18 countries for the final shortlist.

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Record International Interest in the Erich Mendelsohn Award 2026 for Brick Architecture

The submission phase for the Erich Mendelsohn Award 2026 for Brick Architecture has concluded with more than 500 entries from over 40 countries. The award continues to strengthen its international profile while maintaining its position as one of Germany’s leading architectural competitions.

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Submission extended

The Erich Mendelsohn Award 2026 for Brick Architecture is extending the submission period by one month until May 31st. By extending the deadline, the Initiative Bauen mit Backstein is responding to requests from architecture offices that have not yet been able to complete their submission due to increased workload or lack of photos.

Erich-Mendelsohn-Preis 2026 | News

Expert panel selects the best brick buildings

The jury for the Erich Mendelsohn Award 2026 for Brick Architecture has been announced. In early July, the five members of the main jury will convene in Berlin to decide on this year’s awards: Max Wasserkampf, Ulrich Brinkmann, Josep Ricart, Jórunn Ragnarsdóttir, and Lena Unger.

Five experts have been appointed to the jury of the Erich Mendelsohn Award 2026 for Brick Architecture: Max Wasserkampf, Ulrich Brinkmann, Josep Ricart, Jórunn Ragnarsdóttir, and Lena Unger (from left to right).
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Submission started: The award enters its seventh round

A success story continues: The prestigious award for brick architecture is entering its seventh round. Once again, the focus is on outstanding projects that harness the architectural potential of the traditional building material brick in a forward-looking way. Most recently, the competition—awarded every three years—received more than 600 submissions from 30 countries.

Erich-Mendelsohn-Preis 2026 | News

International Architecture Award Strengthens Building Culture

The Erich Mendelsohn Award for Brick Architecture is entering the next round. In light of the current challenges in the construction industry, brick offers valuable qualities such as sustainability, aesthetics, and lasting value, which will remain of great importance in the future. The continuation of the Erich Mendelsohn Award for Brick Architecture in 2026 underscores the significance of outstanding architecture and innovative building projects, especially in times of change.

Keyvisual of the Erich Mendelsohn Award 2026 for Brick Architecture (project: SOCIAL ATRIUM (54 Social Houses in Besòs), PERIS+TORAL ARQUITECTES)