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.
It is a strong signal to the industry and a clear commitment to building culture that the Erich Mendelsohn Award for Brick Architecture will once again be presented in 2026,” emphasizes Ernst Buchow, Chairman of the initiative. First launched in 2008 under the name Fritz Höger Award for Brick Architecture, the competition takes place every three years and has been supported in partnership by the Association of German Architects (BDA) since 2011. Since 2022, it has been dedicated to Erich Mendelsohn. Through an independent jury, this internationally renowned architecture award honors visionary projects worldwide and recognizes the craftsmanship expressed in forward-looking buildings.
Special Support for Young Talent
A Newcomer Award has been presented since 2017 in cooperation with the BDA and, in 2026, will be under the patronage of the architecture magazine DETAIL. This special award is aimed at students as well as emerging architects who wish to make a name for themselves in the industry with their work—whether as a design or a realized project. Among the previous winners is the most recent Gold Award recipient undjurekbrüggen from Berlin, whose project Luise 19E impressed both the jury and journalists alike. Participation remains free of charge for newcomers.
Strengthening the Award
Over the past 15 years, the international significance of the Erich Mendelsohn Award has grown considerably, repeatedly proving that brick is a material capable of telling stories through its tradition and durability—while also meeting the challenges of the future. The award is financially supported by medium-sized manufacturers who actively shape architecture. Especially in times of economic uncertainty in the German market, manufacturers such as Bockhorner Klinkerziegelei, Deppe Backstein-Keramik, Gillrath Ziegel- und Klinkerwerk, Hagemeister Klinkerwerk, Klinkerwerk Iking, Janinhoff Klinkermanufaktur, Olfry Ziegelwerke, Petersen Tegl, Randers Tegl, and Wittmunder Klinker are working to make the prize even more attractive.