Architecture competitions
Functionality and rigorous construction standards in perfect harmony with the landscape, demonstrating spatial virtuosity, preserving the heritage, playing a social role and embracing energy efficiency and digital prowess... these are just some of the criteria taken into consideration as part of the architecture competitions and awards. These awards recognise a major contribution in the field of construction, a specific project or a career achievement; they showcase the talents of architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape artists and public or private project owners, as well as celebrate the quality and originality of their projects.
The Luxembourg Architecture Award: reflecting the vitality and quality of contemporary creation in Luxembourg
The LAA Luxembourg Architecture Award is organised by the Luxembourg Center for Architecture (LUCA), in recognition of the achievements of architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects and urban planners. It celebrates the quality of the built environment and projects that bring about improvements to our surroundings.
Launched in 1995, eligible projects are presented to the public in a major exhibition at the headquarters of the architecture centre. They can also be viewed on the competition website, which not only promotes the quality of contemporary design in Luxembourg and around the world but also serves as an archive of local creativity and excellence.
The Luxembourg Center for Architecture (LUCA), a non-profit association, creates and shares knowledge about the history and current state of architecture in Luxembourg. It promotes the value of both local architectural projects and urban development as vital for civilisation and quality of life. LUCA is also a platform for dialogue and initiatives for the entire architectural community, and in this capacity, it organises conferences, debates, exhibitions, guided tours and the pavilion at the "Venice Biennale" International Architecture Exhibition. Publications, archives and a library provide additional information about the past and present of our built environment.
Bauhärepräis: recognising the project owners that are building Luxembourg
The Bauhärepräis (Project Owner's Prize), run by the OAI (the Ordre des architectes et des ingénieurs-conseils, an industry association for architects and consulting engineers), has been the flagship event for the construction industry since it was set up in 2000. The prize is awarded every four years. The last edition took place in 2024 and once again rewarded private or public builders who have delivered high quality architecture, engineering, town and country planning and urban development through their meticulously designed and successful projects.
The prize highlights the crucial relationship of trust between client and designer in the nine competition categories (single-family homes and apartment buildings, interior refurbishments, buildings for commercial, administrative or educational purposes, engineering projects, land development and technical facilities), which represent the work of the five professions represented by the OAI (architects, consulting engineers, town and local planners, interior designers, and landscape architects and engineers).
The prize also promotes contributions to our shared living environment, inspires and motivates future project owners, highlights topics such as heritage and how we will live together in the future, and showcases local expertise. Each application is examined by a jury of professionals and stakeholders from political and cultural circles.
The OAI (Ordre des architectes et des ingénieurs-conseils) was set up in 1990 as an association for professionals in the fields of architecture and engineering. It represents some 714 design and consultancy firms and more than 5,000 people. In line with its three missions - legal, professional and cultural - the OAI promotes the work of its members at economic, social, cultural and artistic level, focusing above all on the creation of a sustainable, high-quality living environment. The OAI is a member of several international organisations, in which it promotes the quality of Luxembourg's architecture. The OAI's members provide project owners with a comprehensive range of support services for their projects, from planning to monitoring during construction. The fact that the organisation represents five related professions facilitates the provision of coordinated services throughout the process.
Venice Biennale: presence on the global stage
The Venice Biennale has been one of the world's most prestigious cultural events for the past 120 years. The first International Art Exhibition was held in Venice in 1895. At present, more than 500,000 visitors attend the art exhibitions. In the 1930s, new festivals were added for music, cinema, theatre, etc. The first International Architecture Exhibition took place in 1980.
Luxembourg is a major player in this prestigious celebration of architectural achievement. In 2018, after nearly two decades, the Luxembourg Pavilion moved from the Ca' del Duca, a former Venetian house on the banks of the Canale Grande, to the first floor of the Sale d'Armi de l'Arsenale, a former production site of the Republic of Venice. The location is one of the two main venues used for the event. It houses part of the official exhibition and several pavilions from other countries.
The architecture biennial takes place every two years. The 2025 edition is organised by Kultur|lx in collaboration with LUCA - Centre d'architecture du Luxembourg and the Ministry of Culture.
For this 19th International Architecture Exhibition, Luxembourg's contribution is entitled "Sonic Investigations". Mike Fritsch, Alice Loumeau and Valentin Bansac have developed this project around the acoustic practice of research into the Anthropocene. It offers a sensitive exploration of Luxembourg’s territory, which cuts across different environments, positions, and voices. By reactivating our tendency to listen, it offers a new prism for understanding the territory and our ecosystems.
You can visit the Luxembourg pavilion from 10 May to 23 November 2025.
Quick fact
Iconic projects in Luxembourg are nominated every two years for European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture - Mies Van der Rohe Award (EUmies Awards).
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