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Shaping the future of sports and leisure architecture
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The IOC IAKS Architecture Prize celebrates outstanding sports and leisure facilities that inspire active living, strengthen communities and set new standards in sustainability, accessibility and design.
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For almost four decades, the IOC and International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) have recognised indoor and outdoor facilities that demonstrate how architecture can improve quality of life. From community sports grounds to world-class arenas, the prize honours projects that combine innovation, functionality and social impact.
The competition aims at increasing the accessibility of all sports and leisure facilities and architectural structures in order to offer all people opportunities to practise and view sport freely and without barriers. Whether you are an architect, planner, operator or client, the IOC IAKS Architecture Prize offers international visibility, professional recognition and access to a global network shaping the future of active communities.
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About the IOC IAKS Architecture prize
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The prize highlights facilities that
- encourage participation and active living
- improve social connection and community wellbeing
- combine architectural quality with practical functionality
- embrace sustainability and long-term responsibility
- create inclusive environments accessible to everyone
- inspire future generations of designers and operators
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Competition categories
- Community outdoor grounds and public areas
- Major outdoor stadiums
- Indoor facilities for sports, leisure and recreation
- Multipurpose halls and major arenas
- Pools, spas and wellness facilities
- Specialised facilities for sports, leisure and recreation
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The competition is open to newly built facilities, as well as to expansions, modernisations, rehabilitations or conversions of existing buildings and facilities, and to temporary venues. We will publish the full application documentation before the next awards start in 2027. Subscribe to the IAKS newsletter or check this page regularly to stay updated.
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IOC IAKS Architecture and Design Award for Students and Young Professionals
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© IAKS | Christoph Lieck
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Are you at the start of your career and passionate about inclusive, accessible and sustainable sports and leisure facilities? Then take part in the IOC IAKS Students & Young Professionals competition! Alongside the IOC IAKS Architecture Prize, we recognise visionary ideas and creative concepts that promote active living, environmental responsibility, and inclusive sports and recreation.
2025 Award winning projects
ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof, Leogang, Austria
Blue Square Balzers, Balzers, Liechtenstein
Hiwa, Recreation Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
LOTTO Thüringen Eisarena Oberhof, Oberhof, Germany
National Athletics Stadium, Budapest, Hungary
Parramatta Aquatic Centre, Sydney, Australia
Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, Burnaby, Canada
təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, New Westminster, Canada
Vélodrome Sylvan Adams – Centre Multisports Desjardins, Bromont, Canada
Chicago Fire Forge Park, Chicago, USA
From pathways to playgrounds, Leipzig, Germany
Question & Answers
The IOC IAKS Architecture Prize is open to architects, planners, operators, municipalities, developers and project teams involved in the design, development or operation of sports and leisure facilities.
Entries are welcomed from professionals and organisations worldwide.
The competition accepts a wide range of sports and leisure facilities, including:
- newly built facilities
- extensions and modernisations
- rehabilitations and conversions
- temporary venues
Eligible projects include community sports grounds, public recreation spaces, stadiums, arenas, indoor sports facilities, aquatic centres, wellness facilities and specialised sports venues.
The jury is composed of experienced industry professionals from various disciplines and is appointed anew for each award. You can find profiles of the 2025 jury members here.
Projects are assessed by an international jury based on:
- sustainability and public value
- accessibility and universal design
- functional planning and innovation
- architectural quality and design excellence
The prize recognises projects that contribute to active, inclusive and future-oriented communities.
The IOC IAKS Architecture Prize is organised every two years in conjunction with the IAKS Congress and FSB in Cologne. Submission deadlines are announced for each competition cycle. Currently we expect the next announcement for end of 2026.
Participants are encouraged to follow IAKS channels and newsletters for the latest deadlines and application updates.
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The IOC IAKS Architecture Prize is an international competition that honours outstanding sports and leisure facilities from around the world.
It highlights innovative architecture and forward-looking facility concepts across all continents.
Participants benefit from international visibility within the global sports and leisure architecture community.
Winning projects are:
- awarded in a prestigious ceremony at the IAKS Congress in Cologne
- showcased in a dedicated exhibition during FSB
- featured in “sb”, the international IAKS magazine for sports and leisure facilities
- promoted through IOC and IAKS communication channels worldwide
Winners receive extensive international exposure through:
- IAKS and IOC websites
- newsletters and magazines
- social media channels
- global press communication
- presentations at the Awards Gala Night and IAKS Congress exhibition
Award winners may also use the prize recognition for their own marketing and promotional activities.
Please refer to IAKS Secretary General Klaus Meinel (see contact section at the bottom of this page).
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