The SHARE Architecture Awards, a competition that aims to set the standard in Central and South Eastern Europe Architecture

The SHARE Architecture Awards, held for the first time in Athens on October 8th, 2024, has established itself as a groundbreaking event for the architectural landscape of Central and South-Eastern Europe. This unique gala celebrates outstanding architectural achievements in the region, spotlighting the transformative power of architecture and its profound impact on communities, sustainability, and innovation. With its ambitious mission and comprehensive approach, the SHARE Architecture Awards promises to become a cornerstone for recognizing and advancing regional architectural excellence.

Celebrating Regional Identity and Global Innovation

Architecture in Central and Southeast Europe has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past three decades, transitioning from the standardized, utilitarian designs of the socialist era to an era of creativity, innovation, and diversity. The SHARE Architecture Awards are a platform to showcase this transformation, elevating regional architects onto the global stage. By blending local traditions with international influences, architects from the region have created a unique design language that reflects their cultural heritage and contributes to global architectural trends. As Florin Mindirigiu, Founder of SHARE Architects, emphasized, ” The awards highlight the region’s vibrant dialogue between tradition and modernity, local identity and global trends.”

A Rigorous and Inclusive Competition

 The SHARE Architecture Awards encompass a wide range of categories, ranging from residential and commercial buildings to public spaces, urban planning, cultural, and educational projects. Open to architects and beneficiaries from 17 countries, the competition adheres to strict criteria to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation.

The judging process is a two-stage endeavor. In the first phase, submitted projects are evaluated by an expert panel, who shortlist nominees based on six key principles: Added Value, Formal Value, Environmental Value, Social Value, Critical Practice, and Innovation. These principles underscore the awards’ commitment to recognizing architecture that excels aesthetically and promotes sustainability, community engagement, and originality. The final stage includes live presentations open to the public, offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to present their work and engage in discussions with the jury and peers.

Benefits for Participants

For architects, the SHARE Architecture Awards offer more than just recognition. Participants gain invaluable feedback from a prestigious jury composed of internationally renowned experts. Finalists and winners also benefit from increased visibility through public exhibitions and a traveling showcase of nominated and winner projects. This exposure opens doors to new collaborations, business opportunities, and partnerships, further enhancing their professional growth and influence.

Networking and learning opportunities are integral to the awards’ framework. The event features lectures, debates, and discussions led by jury members and industry leaders, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences. These interactions not only enrich participants but also strengthen the architectural community across the region.

The Inaugural Edition: A Resounding Success

The first edition of the SHARE Architecture Awards 2024 attracted over 200 submissions, with 75 projects from 16 countries shortlisted for the final stage. The winners were announced during a Grand Ceremony at the Athens Conservatoire, a venue emblematic of architectural excellence. The Overall Winner was the InnoRenew CoE Institute from Slovenia. This project, the largest wooden building in Slovenia, exemplifies how architecture can transform post-industrial spaces into vibrant hubs of innovation and community development. Other winners included Romania, Poland, Hungary, and Cyprus projects, showcasing the region’s extraordinary diversity and talent.

Beyond the awards ceremony, the SHARE Architecture Awards aims to sustain its impact through a traveling exhibition of nominated and winner projects. Starting in Athens, the exhibition has made stops in Iași, a major city in Romania, and Bucharest, with plans to tour major European cities over the coming year. Designed by architect Iuliana Damir, the exhibition provides an immersive experience that invites audiences to engage deeply with the showcased projects. This itinerant showcase not only increases visibility for the participants but also fosters a greater appreciation for the architectural achievements of the region.

Voices from the Jury

 The inaugural edition’s jury members praised the SHARE Architecture Awards for its unique approach and focus on elevating regional talent. Martha Thorne, the president of one of the category jury, highlighted the importance of creating platforms for architects to share knowledge and experiences. At the same time, Kamran Afshar Naderi noted the event’s emphasis on live presentations and meaningful debates. Manuela Gato from Zaha Hadid Architects emphasized the need to expand the awards further east, recognizing the dynamic architectural developments in Central Asia.

A Catalyst for Regional and Global Recognition

 The SHARE Architecture Awards underscore architecture’s transformative role in shaping societies, economies, and cultures. By celebrating projects that prioritize sustainability, innovation, and community impact, the awards align with global architectural values while fostering a distinct regional identity. As the event continues to grow, it promises to be a catalyst for advancing architectural excellence and enhancing the global standing of Central and South-Eastern European architects.

In conclusion, the SHARE Architecture Awards is more than a competition; it celebrates creativity, provides a platform for professional growth, and bridges regional talent with global recognition. Its inaugural edition has set a high standard, paving the way for future editions to continue showcasing what architecture can achieve.