2A SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Theme: Innovative Contextual Architecture Across Continents
Organized by: 2A Magazine
Introduction:
The 11th edition of the 2A South & Central Architecture Awards as a part of 2A Continental Architectural Awards continues its mission to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in architecture, interior design, and urban design across the continent of South & Central America.
With the theme of “Innovative Contextual Architecture,” the Awards focus on honoring projects and professionals who have creatively addressed the contemporary challenges of architecture within the cultural, social, and environmental contexts of their regions.
2A South & Central America Architecture Awards’ event highlights global design excellence through:
- Prestigious awards
- Engaging exhibitions
- In-depth debates and discussions on architectural methods and cultural influences
- It brings together architects, urban designers, scholars, and industry leaders to explore diverse perspectives, emerging trends, and innovative design strategies shaped by local identity and global insight.
Vision:
The South & Central America Architecture Awards envision a future where architecture across the region stands as a powerful expression of cultural identity, regional authenticity, and creative resilience. Rooted in a rich history of artistic innovation and social transformation, the awards celebrate architecture that transcends imported aesthetics and embraces the essence of place, tradition, and community.
Inspired by the revolutionary spirit and cultural awakening of the early 20th century, Latin American architecture has long embodied a distinctive synthesis of modernist ideals and local narratives. From the socially conscious murals of post-revolutionary Mexico to the groundbreaking modernism of Brazil, the region has forged a unique architectural identity—one that both honors its historical legacy and challenges global uniformity.
In recognizing the legacy of Critical Regionalism, these awards champion design approaches that thoughtfully engage with the landscape, climate, and culture of South and Central America. They encourage architects to reinterpret global influences through a local lens, fostering innovation that is contextually meaningful and culturally grounded.
The Awards aspire to promote architectural excellence that is pluralistic, inclusive, and rooted in a spirit of reinterpretation rather than replication. By honoring projects that merge modern techniques with regional traditions, the South & Central America Architecture Awards aim to inspire a new generation of architects to cultivate a sense of place, advance social equity, and contribute to the global architectural discourse with authenticity and originality.
This vision embraces Latin America’s ongoing architectural journey—a journey that transforms external influences into opportunities for creative reinvention, shaping a built environment that reflects the region’s diverse identities, histories, and aspirations.
Award Significance
The 2A South & Central America Architecture Awards aims to recognize individuals and teams whose work:
- Offers contextually grounded, innovative solutions to architectural challenges
- Reflects a deep understanding of regional heritage and contemporary needs
- Contributes to the ongoing evolution of architectural theory and practice
- By celebrating architectural responses rooted in specific geographies and cultures, the Awards serve as a platform to promote a more inclusive and multifaceted narrative of global architecture.
A Platform for Diversity and Dialogue
This event also serves as a professional forum to:
- Showcase the rich diversity of architectural expression across continents
- Foster international collaboration and dialogue
- Encourage cross-disciplinary exploration in architecture and urban design
- Through presentations, debates, and networking opportunities, participants are empowered to share ideas, experiences, and innovations within a collaborative global environment.
Each year, the Awards are framed around a unique theme that addresses current architectural challenges and opportunities. The 2025–2026 edition emphasizes “Innovative Contextual Architecture,” encouraging projects that balance modern design with regional authenticity and environmental consciousness.
This theme reflects the Awards’ broader commitment to honoring architectural excellence that resonates on both local and global scales, influencing the built environment in meaningful and lasting ways.
The Approaches of 2A South & Central America Architecture Awards 2025–2026 as a part of 2A Continental Architectural Awards (2ACAA)
Architects and urban designers across South & Central America are increasingly responding to the evolving social, cultural, environmental, and technological challenges of their regions with adaptive, innovative, and contextually rich approaches.
2A South & Central America Architecture Awards aim to explore and celebrate these dynamic responses by examining the contemporary practice of architecture through multiple lenses, including:
- Cultural, political, economic, and historical narratives
- Theoretical and philosophical approaches
- Artistic and aesthetic expression
- Sustainability and ecological responsibility
- Urban integration and modern technological adaptation
Award’s Criteria:
2A South & Central America Architecture Awards 2025–2026 as a part of 2A Continental Architectural Awards (2ACAA) recognize excellence in both built and future architectural projects that demonstrate a significant contribution to humanity and the built environment.
The evaluation is based on the following key criteria:
- Design Achievement: Conceptual strength, design strategy, and execution
- Contextual Relevance: Interpretation of historical, geographical, and cultural context
- Technical Innovation: Use of materials, structural systems, and engineering solutions
- Sense of Place: Connection to cultural identity, ecological harmony, and sustainability
- Social Responsibility: Community engagement and urban integration
- Economic Considerations: Responsiveness to local economic conditions
- Architectural Depth: Symbolic, philosophical, or transcendental impact
Award Categories
“Completed Projects”
- Commercial: Retail, office, production, and business facilities
- Public Projects: Education, healthcare, hospitality, sports, leisure, and mixed-use buildings
- Residential: Individual and collective housing
- Urban & Rural Design: Public spaces, streetscapes, rural developments, and landscapes
- Old & New: Restoration, regeneration, renovation, and adaptive reuse
- Civic, Religious, & Transport Projects: Places of worship, civic centers, transportation hubs, and community buildings
- Interior Architecture
“Future Projects / Innovative Designs”
This category celebrates unbuilt projects and conceptual works, including entries from design competitions. Evaluation focuses on creativity, innovation, context sensitivity, and vision. Projects must:
- Be located within the eligible continent of Asia
- Address architectural challenges (ecological, cultural, technological, etc.)
- Demonstrate regional insight and research
- Present a unique or forward-thinking design approach
Note: One project cannot be submitted under multiple categories.
New Category: Visionary Architects & Studios
An exclusive category to honor outstanding individuals and design studios. Submissions will be judged based on their portfolio, creative vision, and architectural impact.
Eligibility & Submission Guidelines
- Open to architects, designers, planners, landscape architects, studios, and interdisciplinary teams
- Clients, developers, or contractors may submit entries on behalf of architects with consent
- Built projects must be completed on or after January 1, 2014
- Future projects must be designed no earlier than 2012
Submission Format (Stage One):
- Three A2-size PDF panels per project (Max 16MB each)
- Should include images, drawings, diagrams, and project description
- Stage One submission is free
Entry & Judging Process
- Open Registration: August 1st–September 15th, 2025
- Candidate Selection Notification: Within 48 hours of submission via email
- Official Announcement of Selected Projects: September 28, 2025, on the 2A website
- Judging Format: One-stage entry, two-stage evaluation
- Final Judging & Online Showcase: February 2026 (including video presentation of candidate projects)
- Free Event Pass: Granted to all shortlisted participants
Fees (Upon Selection as Candidate’s Project):
- 1 Project: €189
- 2 Projects: €340
- 3 Projects: €490
Awards & Recognition
- Gold and Silver Medals awarded to the top two projects in each category
- Award Trophies for first-place winners
- Certificates of Recognition for Special Mentions (as determined by the jury)
- Featured Publication: Winning projects will be published in a special edition of 2A Magazine
Organizer Services:
- Professional printing of candidate project panels for jury review
- Display of winning projects in the awards Exhibition
- Complimentary passes to the 2A Awards Ceremony & ArchTalk Forum
- Opportunity to speak at 2A ArchTalk (upon jury selection)
- Honorary Membership in the UNESCO Club of Architecture and Art for top winners
- Video Publication of winners’ professional insights across social platforms
Register Now
Showcase your work on a global stage and join a distinguished community of architects shaping the future of design.
📧 For assistance with submission: info@2art.center