2024 Call for Entries

12th Edition of the Rafael Manzano Prize for New Traditional Architecture

The Rafael Manzano Prize for New Traditional Architecture is intended to disseminate the value of traditional architecture as a benchmark for the architecture of our time. Since 2012 it has served to recognise careers that have been outstanding in this field in Spain and Portugal, contributing especially to the continuation of traditional architecture, both in the restoration of architectural and urban heritage and in the building of new work which, based on local tradition, is able to blend harmoniously into such ensembles. The Rafael Manzano Prize is funded with 50,000 euros, awarded with a commemorative medal.

The Rafael Manzano Prize for New Traditional Architecture is an initiative organized, thanks to Richard H. Driehaus, by the Traditional Building Cultures Foundation with the collaboration of INTBAU Spain, INTBAU Portugal, Kalam, the Fundação Serra Henriques, the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando and the Ordem dos Arquitetos and has the High Patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Portugal.

Criteria for the award

All active professionals who have developed their activity in the field of architecture or urban planning in Spain and Portugal for at least ten years may participate.
The award selection will be based on the contribution that the winner has made to the field of architecture and urban planning within the respect of its traditional principles, either in the restoration of buildings, public spaces and historic urban environments, or in the realization of new complexes or works or public spaces that, based on local traditions, integrate harmoniously into said environments or generate new ones that share their qualities.
When the works presented are restoration works, the design and execution of what is added to what exists must also stand out for giving continuity to the architectural and construction tradition.
The prize may be awarded by evaluating a specific work, if it is sufficiently significant, or the works carried out throughout the professional life of the winner.
Candidates must submit the following documentation by April 25, 2024:
- A written professional biography of 250 words in English and in Spanish or Portuguese.
- One-page text, in English and Spanish or Portuguese, summarizing the reasons why the candidate’s work should be considered for the award.
- Up to ten images, in digital format (jpg or tiff, 300 dpi) of each of the projects presented, with a limit of five projects per candidate. These images will include photographs, plans and drawings of the projects submitted. When it comes to interventions in historical buildings and complexes, these images should also allow us to understand both the state prior to the intervention and the nature of the transformations or additions carried out. Each of the works presented may be accompanied by a brief description of no more than 250 words in English and Spanish or Portuguese.
Candidacies submitted that have not been awarded may be reconsidered in future calls for the award.
Candidates who have participated in previous editions of the award may be considered for the award again without the need for express confirmation, although written confirmation of their interest is a guarantee that their candidacy will be considered again. They can also expand on their previous proposals with additional images and documentation.
The Jury will be made up of relevant personalities from the world of Architecture and Fine Arts.

All documentation, including personal data, will be treated with absolute confidentiality.

This documentation must be submitted electronically to: premios@culturasconstructivas.org
Tel.: 669 719 830