SCHULBAU Award 2026
On November 11, 2026, outstanding school buildings that combine architectural quality with demonstrable sustainability will be honored at the SCHULBAU Festival in Berlin. We are looking for projects that impress throughout their life cycle and are feasible within a municipal context.
Photo: AI ChatGPT
Objective of the Award
The SCHULBAU Award 2026 recognizes school buildings and educational facilities that provide future-oriented solutions to the challenges of construction and learning. We are looking for projects that combine ecological responsibility, architectural quality, flexible use, and economic feasibility—whether they involve new construction, renovation, expansion, or modular solutions.
The focus is particularly on projects that demonstrate new approaches to sustainable and circular educational construction: resource-efficient, adaptable, durable, and viable for long-term use. We especially welcome approaches that incorporate principles of circular construction—such as modular systems, reversible construction methods, pure material separation, or concepts for future adaptive reuse and component reuse.
The Award is explicitly international and aims to showcase different approaches and solutions—from municipal pilot projects to innovative school building concepts from Europe and beyond. We are looking for both experimental and pragmatic approaches that contribute to the advancement of sustainable learning environments.
Special attention is given to projects that demonstrate how school construction can be successfully implemented under real municipal conditions. Sustainability is explicitly understood in practical terms: both simple and economical solutions as well as experimental pilot projects with exemplary character are welcome.
Eligibility
The following are eligible:
- completed, under construction, or planned projects
- new construction, renovations, expansions, as well as modular or temporary school buildings
- submissions from architecture firms, specialist planners, public clients, municipalities, educational institutions, and interdisciplinary teams
We are particularly looking for projects with:
- modular or flexible construction concepts
- sustainable material strategies
- timber, hybrid, or circular construction methods
- solutions for deconstruction, adaptive reuse, or component reuse
- innovative learning and spatial concepts
- energy-efficient and economical operational approaches
- high-quality environments for students and teachers
- resource-efficient renovation or expansion concepts for existing buildings
Partial aspects of sustainable or circular construction methods may also be submitted. Projects without complete sustainability certification or comprehensive life cycle analyses are explicitly welcome.
Documents to be Submitted
The documentation should clearly present the idea, quality, and distinctive features of the project.
Please submit:
- brief project description
- explanatory report on the concept
- plans, photos, or visualizations
- information on construction, material selection, and sustainability strategy
- information on energy, operational, or usage concepts
- optional documentation on CO₂, life cycle, or certifications
The scope of documentation should remain appropriate and practical.
Evaluation Criteria
The jury evaluates projects holistically and within their respective contexts.
Sustainability & Resource Use
- resource-efficient construction methods
- sustainable or recyclable materials
- CO₂ reduction and energy efficiency
- durability and robustness
- resource-efficient renovation and reuse of existing structures
Circular Economy & Flexibility
- deconstructability and reusability
- modular or adaptable systems
- adaptive reuse capability
- pure material separation and reversible construction methods
- demountable components and flexible life cycle strategies
Architecture & Learning Quality
- quality of learning and common spaces
- Spatial flexibility
- social and urban integration
- atmosphere, health, and well-being
Economic Viability & Feasibility
- realistic and municipally implementable solutions
- operational reliability and ease of maintenance
- life cycle thinking
- efficiency in the use of space and resources
Innovation & Exemplary Character
- new approaches in educational construction
- international perspectives
- transferability to other municipalities and projects
- contribution to the advancement of sustainable school architecture
The Award explicitly aims to showcase different approaches to sustainable school construction—from simple, economical solutions to experimental pilot projects.
Jury
The jury is interdisciplinary and brings together expertise from architecture, education, urban development, sustainability, research, and public administration.
Award Ceremony
The award ceremony will take place on November 11, 2026 in Berlin as part of the SCHULBAU Festival.
Application
Submission deadline: September 15, 2026
Submit to: redaktion@cubusmedien.de
