The Architectural Review invites submissions for the AR Public Awards 2026, honouring outstanding achievements in the design of public spaces around the world. Open to projects completed since January 2021, the awards seek bold, thoughtful, and inclusive design interventions that enhance collective experience in the public realm.

Eligible entries span a wide range of typologies, including but not limited to:

– Public gardens and playgrounds
– Town squares
– Pavilions, courtyards, and canopies
– Harbours, riversides, and waterfronts
– Markets, lidos, and amphitheatres
– Roof terraces, public staircases, and underpasses
– Street furniture, wayfinding systems, and more

Projects may form part of larger architectural or urban schemes, however, the jury will focus solely on the design and impact of the public space component. All submissions must refer to spaces freely accessible to the public, with no restrictions on budget or geographical location.

All entries will be reviewed by the AR editorial team; a shortlist of 15 projects will be selected.
The top six shortlisted projects will be visited by independent critics, followed by final judging by an international panel. All shortlisted projects will be published in the June issue of The Architectural Review, with full building studies on the top six.