This year, 54 works have been submitted for the most important award in Latvian architecture – the Latvian Architecture Award of the Year. This is the largest number of applications in recent years. The jury will evaluate entries in two categories: "Objects" and "Processes". The selected nominees will be announced at a press conference in September. All submitted works can be found here.
The 29th Latvian Architecture Award (LAGB) entries reflect the current Latvian architectural environment and significant processes, inviting everyone to appreciate and celebrate quality architecture. The nominees who advance to compete for the Latvian Architecture Award will be revealed at a press conference in September, where the final jury of foreign experts will also be announced.
The jury will assess two types of work:
1. Objects: Completed and commissioned works.
2. Processes: Research, publications, educational events, and other architectural activities.
Entries will be judged based on the Davos Quality System, which includes eight criteria: governance, functionality, environment, economy, diversity, context, sense of place, and beauty.
This year, the jury will evaluate 47 objects and 7 processes. The majority of applications are in the "Public Buildings" category (15), followed by "Commercial and Industrial Buildings" (10) and "Apartment Buildings" (8).
The Latvian Architecture Award comprises three levels:
1. Selection Jury Award** Diploma for all nominees selected by the jury.
2. Final Jury Award (LAGB 2024): For the best of nominated works.
3. LAGB 2024 Grand Prix: For one outstanding work as determined by the final jury.
Selection Jury Members
The selection jury for the first round includes:
- Miķelis Putrāms: Architect, co-founder of MADE arhitekti, LAGB 2023 Grand Prix laureate, and chair of the jury.
- Linda Krūmiņa: Architect, co-founder of MADE arhitekti, LAGB 2023 Grand Prix laureate.
- Juris Poga: Architect, member of the Latvian Architects' Union Council, multiple LAGB laureate.
- Dagnija Smilga: Architect and curator, co-founder of Ēter studio, LAGB 2022 Grand Prix winner.
- Sandis Voldiņš: Member of the Board of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, former State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture.
- Jānis Šiliņš: Civil engineer, project manager at Citrus Solutions.
- Ilze Martinsone: Head of the Latvian Museum of Architecture, guest lecturer at the Art Academy of Latvia, publicist.
The LAGB is a prestigious award that highlights outstanding achievements in Latvian architecture, contributes to the development of the sector, and promotes public awareness of architecture. The finalists will be announced at the end of August 2024 and will be judged by an international jury, to be revealed later. The award ceremony is scheduled for 18 October 2024.
The LAGB is organized by the Latvian Association of Architects with support from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, LAGB Major Partner Tikkurila, the State Culture Capital Foundation, Delfi, Deko, Knauf, Gaismas Stils, Neiburgs, and the Real Estate Developers Alliance.
