UIA launches the 5th edition of the Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards

A research award will also be given for evidence-based design research that makes a significant contribution to improved quality of life through facilitating a better understanding of human centred design and its application to the design of the built environment.

Those interested in participating can submit their entries to the following categories:

1. New buildings
2. Refurbished existing buildings, including historic buildings
3. Public and open spaces
4. Research on the theory or practice of universal design

Works submitted to categories 1, 2 and 3 will be evaluated on the overall quality of design and how the project has addressed accessibility and inclusive design. 

Category 4 will focus on the contribution to improve quality of life through facilitating a better understanding of user centred and inclusive design and its application to the design of the built environment. It will consider if the work can be applied widely and used effectively by architects and others to enhance design quality and create friendly and inclusive places

The Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards are organised by the International Union of Architects’ (UIA) Architecture for All Work Programme which raises awareness on the responsibility architects to ensure that accessibility and inclusive design are essential components of architectural design, construction and education.

Deadline for submissions ends on 24 February 2026.

More information on the UIA Awards