IOC, IPC and IAKS opens entries for biennial international architectural awards

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) are inviting designers and projects from all over the world to enter their renowned architecture awards 2023.

The IOC/IAKS Award is the most important international architecture award for sports and leisure facilities. It not only awards building design but also recognises the successful operation of facilities.

The IPC/IAKS Distinction for Accessibility aims to promote accessibility to sports facilities and all other buildings in order to give people with a disability the opportunity to practice or view sport without limitation or barriers.

The IOC/IPC/IAKS Architecture and Design Award for Students and Young Professionals is calling on young architects and designers to dedicate their enthusiasm and imagination in the creation of areas and spaces for active lifestyles.

Every two years since 1987, in 2025 the Awards again reflect all three organisations commitment to excellence in the visioning, design and operation of fully inclusive and universally accessible indoor and outdoor facilities. Identifying and promoting trends for transforming communities and urban areas into places of active living is at the core of this international competition.

Prizes consist of three competitions, awarding bronze, silver and gold medals.

Submissions can be entered in the following competition categories:

• Major outdoor stadiums
Outdoor stadiums for competitions and events, e.g. for ball games, athletics and other uses - with large spectator facilities

• Community outdoor grounds and public areas
Outdoor grounds, public areas, school and educational facilities for sport, leisure, recreation and touristic uses, e.g. for ball games, athletics, skating / boarding, urban trend sports - with small or no spectator facilities

• Multipurpose halls and major arenas
Multipurpose halls and major arenas for competitions and events, e.g. for indoor sports and other uses - with large spectator facilities

• Indoor facilities for sports, leisure and recreation
Indoor facilities consisting of several building components or as well of only a single building component for competition, training, trend sports, leisure, recreation and touristic uses - with small or no spectator facilities

• Pools, spas and wellness facilities
Aquatic facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, spas and thermal pools, wellness and health facilities, for sports, leisure, recreational and touristic uses

• Specialised facilities for sports, leisure and recreation
Indoor and outdoor facilities for special sports, leisure and recreational activities, e.g. for Alpine and Nordic skiing, motor racing, mountain biking, canoeing, rowing, sailing, golf, equestrianism and shooting as well as beach sports, free climbing etc.

The facilities must have been completed and gone into operation between 1st January 2020 and 31st December 2024.

The prize-giving ceremony for the competition will be held at the 29th IAKS Congress in the German city of Cologne in October.

Click here for more information.

Images: IOC/IPC/IAKS award winners in 2023 (top) and the Milson Island Sport and Recreation Centre on the Hawkesbury River in NSW, designed by architecture firm Allen Jack+Cottier, a silver medal winner in the 2013 Awards (below).