Why enter

This category covers a range of buildings which are commissioned and/or occupied by a public authority, or are example of buildings where the use will be primarily determined by local need. At one end of the scale could be major projects like town halls or civic offices, but smaller public amenities and spaces or building for community uses are also eligible

Hospitals, clinics, dispensaries and other medical centres as well as nursing homes are all eligible in this category, which may also include a mix of uses where healthcare is the primary focus. Judges will be particularly sensitive to environments that are conducive to patient recovery and that guarantee the wellbeing of all users

This category is for buildings and groups of buildings where at least three different uses have been incorporated into a development in significant quantities – cultural elements could be included provided the overall quantum of the proposal is commercial. Judges will be interested in how the whole adds up to more than the sum of the parts, and how the mix of uses is integrated into a successful overall design

This category includes significant cultural projects which seek to improve and enhance their surroundings – at the scale of the neighbourhood, the urban quarter or the city – including museums, galleries, concert halls, theatres and opera houses

We are looking for nurseries, primary and secondary schools, university buildings and campuses as well as any spaces for teaching and learning housed outside institutions. Single buildings or larger developments with education at their core are all eligible

Hotels, swimming pools, bars, restaurants, casinos and other tourist attractions are welcome in this category, which may also include a mix of uses where leisure is the primary driver. Judges will be interested in the potential customer experience, as well as intelligent planning and striking display

Entries should comprise apartment blocks or groups of houses – but not one-off houses. Judges will be looking for convincing site planning, careful gradation from domestic to semi-private spaces as well as wider contribution to the local environment. Please submit housing proposals, NOT single-family houses.

This category includes airports, bridges, rail and mass transit hubs, metro and underground stations, pedestrian and water-related projects. Judges will pay close attention to how these pieces of infrastructure help connect points on the map and improve users’ everyday life

This category is for projects that exploit, enhance or extend existing buildings, with no specificity of programme. Judges will be interested in the potential of the revitalised space and in the dialogue between new and old elements

Judges will be looking for evidence of how the proposal creates a pleasant environment in which workplace productivity can flourish. Single buildings or larger developments where offices are the primary building type are all eligible

Entries in this category will involve long-term masterplans intended to transform and improve a large site, neighbourhood or urban quarter, where generations of inhabitants will enjoy a well-planned new or renewed environment. Judges will be looking for evidence of environmental, economic and social benefits to demonstrate how the project will work in the round and why it will last

Shopping centres, department stores, superstores, malls, significant shops or groups of shops can enter this category. Judges will be interested in new approaches to retail, striking display and customer experience.

This category includes all towers – residential, commercial or other – of more than 20 storeys. Judges will be interested in the elegance of appearance and structure, the clarity and logic of planning, and how the tower contributes to the skyline and to street life at ground level. Buildings have to be more than 20 storeys, but there are no restrictions of programme.

Architecture school provides young architects with an infinite playing field onto which to speculate, whether critically commenting on the world we live or imagining better tomorrows. This prize will be awarded to a graduated in 2024 for a project that is propositional, experimental and radical and the winner will receive £500

The built environment generates nearly 50 per cent of annual global CO2 emissions. This new prize is looking for innovative uses of materials and new construction techniques, for ideas around the reduction of architectural waste and more sustainable design methodologies. The winner will receive £500

Unsuccessful competition entries should not be thrown into the bin. This prize seeks to recognise work and ideas that were dismissed by the judging panel of a design competition after 1 January 2023, but that architects can learn and draw inspiration from. The winner will receive £500