Architecture News

Farshid Moussavi, a distinguished architect and educator of Iranian origin, has been honored with the 2026 Soane Medal. This esteemed recognition celebrates her profound impact on the fields of architectural practice, historical understanding, and theoretical development. The founder of Farshid Moussavi Architecture (FMA) will be presented with the medal at a ceremony held at the Royal Academy in London on November 24, 2026, where she is also scheduled to deliver a public address. The annual Soane Medal, inaugurated in 2017 by Sir John Soane's Museum, is bestowed upon individuals whose work significantly advances the comprehension of architecture and its societal role.

Moussavi's professional endeavors are multifaceted, encompassing architectural design, academic instruction, and literary contributions. Her firm, FMA, established in 2011, has executed a wide array of projects, from significant cultural institutions and residential complexes to intricate retail interiors. Notable recent works include the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland, the innovative La Folie Divine apartments in Montpellier, and the Îlot 19 housing development in La Défense-Nanterre, Paris, which is part of a larger mixed-use urban scheme. Additionally, FMA completed the Ismaili Center Houston in Texas in November 2025, a project that emerged victorious from an international design competition and represents the practice's largest undertaking to date. The Harrods Toy Department in London also stands as a testament to her diverse design capabilities.

Born in Shiraz, Iran, in 1965, Moussavi's academic journey took her through prestigious institutions such as Harvard University Graduate School of Design, University College London, and the University of Dundee. Complementing her architectural practice, she has maintained a deep commitment to architectural pedagogy, holding teaching positions at the Architectural Association, the Berlage Institute, Harvard University, UCLA, Princeton University, and Columbia University. Currently, she holds the title of Professor in Practice of Architecture at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, having previously directed the Institute of Architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna.

Beyond her design and teaching roles, Moussavi has cultivated a significant body of architectural literature that investigates the intricate connections between design, cultural contexts, and contemporary professional methodologies. She has authored four books, including "Architecture and Micropolitics," published in 2022. Her scholarly pursuits have also delved into critical areas such as social housing and the adaptive reuse of existing structures. Her research on the French architect Renée Gailhoustet played a pivotal role in re-igniting interest in Gailhoustet's distinctive approach to collective housing.

The selection committee for the 2026 Soane Medal, comprising esteemed architects, critics, and curators, was led by architect Amin Taha. Moussavi now joins an illustrious group of past recipients, including Madelon Vriesendorp, Hanif Kara, Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal, Peter Barber, Marina Tabassum, Denise Scott Brown, Kenneth Frampton, and Rafael Moneo. Vriesendorp, who received the 2025 medal, holds the distinction of being the first UK-based female artist to be honored with the award since its inception.

This recognition for the 2026 Soane Medal coincides with a period of various distinguished accolades celebrating contributions to architecture across a global spectrum. For example, Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind was granted the 2026 Praemium Imperiale for Architecture, while Japanese architect Kengo Kuma was chosen for the 2027 Andrée Putman Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his profound influence on architectural design and the built environment. Additionally, the 2026 OBEL Award was bestowed upon the Balearic Social Housing Model, recognizing its innovative approach to public housing administration and its efforts to address housing shortages in Spain.

In regions sculpted by volcanic activity, the very ground beneath our feet is a testament to perpetual geological transformation. Here, molten rock solidifies into fresh land, and over time, vegetation gradually reclaims these stark, new surfaces. The lingering presence of ash can persist for years, shaping the environment. In the vicinity of active volcanoes, these dynamic processes continue unabated, profoundly influencing both the siting and methodology of construction.

Despite the inherent volatility, these dramatic terrains hold an undeniable allure, drawing individuals to establish homes and secluded havens. Their remoteness and distinct topography frequently contribute to their appeal. To erect structures in such places necessitates embedding daily existence within a landscape that is fundamentally mutable and subject to continuous change.

Architectural endeavors in volcanic areas demand an innovative approach, prioritizing both endurance and harmony with the natural surroundings. Buildings must be designed to withstand potential geological shifts while simultaneously capitalizing on the unique characteristics of the site. This often involves the careful selection of materials that can endure extreme conditions, and structural forms that adapt to irregular ground. The goal is to craft spaces that offer safety and comfort without detracting from the raw, untamed beauty of the volcanic terrain.

Many projects draw inspiration from the very elements that define these landscapes. For instance, some designs incorporate local volcanic stone, not merely for its aesthetic qualities but also for its structural integrity and historical resonance with the land. Others employ elevated foundations or modular construction techniques to allow for flexibility and easier adaptation should the ground shift or new geological features emerge. The integration of sustainable practices is also paramount, as architects strive to minimize environmental impact and create self-sufficient structures that can thrive in isolated conditions.

Ultimately, building on volcanic ground is an intricate dance between human innovation and nature's raw power. It is about creating architecture that respects the land's dynamic character, offering not just shelter, but also a profound connection to one of Earth's most compelling and ever-evolving environments.