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Winners of the 2026 Faith & Form International Awards for Religious Architecture and Art

On March 31, 2026, Partners for Sacred Places unveiled the winners of the Faith & Form International Awards for Religious Architecture and Art. This prestigious program, founded in 1978, aims to honor remarkable achievements and innovations in the architectural design and art of religious spaces. With a total of 75 submissions collected from nine different nations, this year's awards put a spotlight on 12 outstanding projects that showcase the evolving role of sacred places in meeting contemporary societal needs.

The Significance of Sacred Spaces

Religious buildings have traditionally been keepers of local narratives, representing migration histories and communal milestones. They serve as inclusive environments that transcend class, ethnicity, and faith, actively contributing to the public good. Beyond spiritual gatherings, these spaces function as polling locations, community centers, and sites for essential services like food programs and childcare. Recognizing their value becomes starkly evident only when they face the threat of loss.

As these sacred sites strive to maintain their relevance, congregations must navigate the challenges of preserving historic structures designed for different eras, even as they contemplate new creations. The 2026 Faith & Form Awards address the pressing need for congregations to envision sacred venues and the liturgical art contained within them, adapting to current worship practices, community demands, and financial constraints. In doing so, they highlight the initiatives that resonate with the dynamic nature of today's faith communities.

Insights from the Jury

Joshua Zinder, AIA, lead juror of the awards, noted the diverse range of entries that delved into significant issues impacting contemporary life. From large urban interventions to smaller, intimate projects, each entry was a thoughtful reflection of place and spirituality, addressing a spectrum of needs through adaptive reuse and historic restoration. The awards underscore the message that architecture and art, when rooted in the service of faith communities, can uplift the human experience across varied backgrounds and cultures.

2026 Award Winners

The winners of this year’s awards exemplify best practices in religious architecture and liturgical art. Each project was recognized for its ability to connect with the community while retaining spiritual significance. The noteworthy projects include:

• - Honor Award, Religious Architecture Renovation: St. James Cathedral Portico in Seattle, Washington, implements significant restoration that unites the church with its urban surroundings, enhancing both accessibility and visibility.
• - Honor Award, Religious Architecture Restoration: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mesa, Arizona, underwent meticulous preservation efforts that breathe new life into this timeless edifice.
• - Honor Award, Sacred Landscape: In Osaka, Japan, the urban sanctuary provided by Ganen Gomado creates a haven for reflection amidst the city's bustle.
• - Additional projects included the Immaculate Conception Chapel in Pennsylvania and the Chapel of St. Ignatius in Louisiana, both of which masterfully blend contemporary design with traditional worship functions.

The Future of Sacred Design

The Faith & Form International Awards not only honor achievements in sacred architecture but also serve as a vital link between faith communities and artists, creating a platform for innovation, collaboration, and shared learning. As the awards highlight transformative projects, they also set benchmarks for future initiatives in religious space design. As we look ahead to the 2027 awards, which will accept submissions from August 3 to October 9, 2026, we are reminded of the essential role that these revitalized and newly conceived sacred locations play in our society.

Partners for Sacred Places, the organizing body, stands as a cornerstone organization focused on the stewardship and community use of historical sacred sites. They emphasize the importance of ensuring these landmarks continue to function as vital assets in our neighborhoods. For further details and to celebrate these innovative winners, visit Partners for Sacred Places.

In a world where the relevance of communal gathering spaces continues to evolve, the Faith & Form Awards shine a light on the significant contributions of religious architecture in fostering community, identity, and spiritual connection.