The International Union of Architects (UIA) has awarded the 2026 UIA Gold Medal to Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, recognising an outstanding body of work defined by intelligence, restraint, and a profound sense of responsibility toward society.
The UIA Gold Medal, established in 1984, is the highest distinction awarded by the Union to an architect or group of architects, acknowledging a sustained contribution to architecture over time. It is conferred every three years as part of the UIA Awards and Prizes programme.
For Eduardo Souto de Moura, architecture has consistently been about defining how we live. His work is distinguished by clarity, precision, and a deep engagement with context, creating spaces that embody beauty, dignity, and coherence. Rather than relying on spectacle, his architecture is grounded in rigour and thoughtful proportion, with each project reflecting a careful and disciplined approach to design and construction.
Across a wide range of scales and typologies, his work demonstrates a refined understanding of place and material, resulting in buildings that are both technically accomplished and culturally resonant. This approach reflects decades of sustained reflection and an unwavering commitment to architecture as a meaningful cultural act.
Beyond his built work, Souto de Moura’s contribution to the discipline is marked by generosity and intellectual integrity. His decision to donate his professional archive to the Casa da Arquitectura reflects a commitment to the collective advancement of architectural knowledge and to architecture as a shared and evolving practice.
The 2026 UIA Gold Medal recognises not only an exceptional career, but also a lasting contribution to architectural thought and practice at the global scale.
The medal will be presented at an official ceremony, held during the 2026 UIA World Congress of Architects in Barcelona, taking place from 28 June to 2 July 2026.