Architectural Cases

ArchDaily Next Practices Awards 2026: Juror Panel Revealed

Since their inception in 2020, the ArchDaily Next Practices Awards have served as a platform to highlight groundbreaking architectural firms that are redefining the profession's scope. Across five successful editions, the program has acknowledged 105 practices from 44 countries, fostering a global dialogue on architecture's evolving societal role. The winning projects consistently emphasize contextual awareness, the use of sustainable materials, collaborative community involvement, experimental and interdisciplinary methodologies, respect for heritage, social accountability, and human-centric interventions. This initiative is a beacon for ideas, approaches, and projects that deserve recognition and further development, embodying forward-thinking solutions to current global challenges while proactively addressing future architectural demands.

As the ArchDaily Next Practices Awards embark on their sixth year, a distinguished jury has been announced to curate this edition's selections. This year's panel brings together a rich tapestry of perspectives from Latin America, Southwest Asia, North America, Africa, and Europe. Comprising celebrated architects, landscape practitioners, preservation specialists, and influential institutional figures, these jurors are deeply invested in the critical questions that the Next Practices initiative aims to explore. Each member contributes their invaluable time, specialized knowledge, and unwavering dedication to shaping the future trajectory of architecture, ensuring a selection that reflects global diversity and pioneering spirit.

Introducing the Esteemed Jury for the ArchDaily Next Practices Awards 2026

The ArchDaily Next Practices Awards, now in its sixth iteration, proudly announces its distinguished panel of jurors for 2026. This year's jury features a diverse group of experts from various continents, including Latin America, Southwest Asia, North America, Africa, and Europe. These luminaries, encompassing architects, landscape specialists, preservationists, and leaders within architectural institutions, are united by their profound engagement with the core themes of the Next Practices initiative. Their collective wisdom and insights are crucial in identifying and celebrating practices that demonstrate innovative solutions and a commitment to architectural evolution.

The 2026 jury members bring a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to the selection process. Among them is Sumayya Vally, principal of Counterspace, known for her exploration of hybrid identities and spatial relationships, and the youngest architect to design the Serpentine Pavilion. Susana Rojas Saviñón, co-founder of Estudio Ome, brings her expertise in landscape architecture and a strong academic background, having lectured globally. Oanh Nguyen Henriksen, from Dorte Mandrup, offers nearly two decades of experience in market development and strategic planning for renowned architectural firms. Nicolas Fayad and Charles Kettaneh of EAST Architecture Studio contribute their award-winning collective practice, which skillfully integrates history, culture, and contemporary design. Finally, Javier Ors Ausín, from the World Monuments Fund, provides invaluable insights as an architect and preservation specialist with a focus on global heritage conservation. Their combined perspectives will ensure a comprehensive and insightful evaluation of the submissions, recognizing those who truly embody the 'next practices' in architecture.

Visionary Architects and Preservationists: Guiding the Future of Design

The ArchDaily Next Practices Awards, celebrated for their commitment to recognizing groundbreaking architectural talent, are set to be judged by an exceptional panel for their 2026 edition. This jury is composed of highly influential figures who not only excel in their respective fields but also champion the values of contextual relevance, environmental stewardship, community participation, and experimental design. Their collective expertise spans diverse architectural disciplines and geographical regions, promising a comprehensive and globally informed evaluation of the submitted works. These esteemed professionals will critically assess how contemporary practices are responding to urgent global challenges and anticipating the demands of future urban and social landscapes.

The jurors for the 2026 awards include Sumayya Vally, a pivotal voice in exploring architectural identity and spatial narratives, whose firm Counterspace is celebrated for its innovative approaches to design. Her work, including the Serpentine Pavilion, showcases a deep commitment to architectural research and pedagogy. Susana Rojas Saviñón, a co-founder of Estudio Ome and an accomplished landscape architect, brings a focus on sustainable and culturally sensitive design from her practices in Mexico City and London. Oanh Nguyen Henriksen, from Dorte Mandrup, provides significant business development and communication expertise, crucial for understanding the impact and reach of architectural projects. Nicolas Fayad and Charles Kettaneh, founders of EAST Architecture Studio, are renowned for their integrated approach that blends traditional techniques with modern innovation, earning them international accolades like the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Javier Ors Ausín, a preservation specialist and architect at the World Monuments Fund, contributes a vital perspective on heritage conservation and crisis response in architecture. Together, this diverse and accomplished jury is poised to identify and elevate the most impactful and forward-thinking architectural practices of our time.

The Confluence of Green Spaces and Housing Affordability on the US West Coast

In the dynamic urban landscape of the United States' West Coast, cities face an increasingly complex challenge where the provision of affordable housing directly clashes with the preservation of vital green spaces. This predicament highlights a fundamental question of urban values, as regions from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest grapple with land scarcity for new residential developments. As municipalities endeavor to fulfill long-standing commitments for accessible housing, they frequently encounter a pressing conflict: whether to build upon existing parks or undeveloped natural areas. This is not merely a question of zoning, but a profound societal debate concerning which aspect of urban quality of life—natural environments or housing stability—deserves precedence.

This ongoing tension between ecological preservation and housing development reflects a familiar dilemma in rapidly urbanizing areas, where land is a finite and increasingly valuable commodity. The West Coast's housing affordability crisis has intensified this struggle, leading urban planners and policymakers to confront difficult choices that have far-reaching implications for community health, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Every proposed development on a green parcel sparks discussions about the intrinsic value of nature within urban settings, its role in public well-being, and the potential long-term consequences of sacrificing such spaces for immediate housing demands. The solutions proposed often reflect a city's broader vision for its future, balancing the urgent needs of its residents with the environmental legacy it wishes to preserve.

Addressing this multifaceted issue requires innovative urban planning strategies that prioritize both affordable housing and environmental stewardship. This entails exploring alternative development models, such as infill development and the adaptive reuse of existing structures, to minimize encroachment on green areas. Furthermore, fostering public discourse and civic engagement can help communities articulate their collective values, guiding policymakers toward integrated solutions that enhance urban livability without compromising essential ecological resources. By embracing creative approaches and collaborative efforts, cities can strive for a future where accessible housing and flourishing green spaces are not mutually exclusive, but rather integral components of a vibrant, sustainable urban environment for all residents.

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Kaymana Wave Reception: A Serene Coastal Welcome

This article explores the architectural ingenuity of the Kaymana Wave Reception in Uluwatu, Bali. It delves into how Pablo Luna Studio translated the dynamic essence of ocean waves into a welcoming and functional structure, creating a unique arrival experience for guests.

Where Ocean's Embrace Meets Architectural Grace

The Architectural Narrative: Translating Nature's Fluidity into Form

The Kaymana Wave Reception, nestled in the scenic locale of Uluwatu, Bali, draws its primary inspiration from the mesmerizing image of a wave cresting and breaking upon the shore. This architectural concept is deliberately straightforward, utilizing a singular, unbroken curve to encapsulate the instantaneity and effortless movement of the ocean. The result is a structure that feels like a gentle, protective embrace, a cocoon of tranquility. This design is far more than a literal depiction of a wave; it seeks to convey the inherent power, rhythmic pulse, and profound awe one experiences when confronting the vastness of the sea, transforming these elemental sensations into an inviting architectural presence.

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