Since 2016, the Richard H. Driehaus Architecture Competition has promoted the practice of architecture and urban planning that both update and sustain local traditions while contributing to the creation of more beautiful, enduring urban structures that are better integrated into the existing architectural heritage.

The competition takes place in two successive phases. In the first phase, Spanish municipalities are invited to submit potential topics and sites. An international jury then selects the three proposals that best align with the competition’s objectives and criteria. In the second phase, which is international in scope, architects of any nationality are encouraged to submit architectural and urban design proposals for any of the three selected sites.

Finally, the competition selects and rewards proposals that can serve as models for better architectural, urban, and heritage preservation practices, particularly in deteriorated architectural ensembles and urban areas that are degraded and/or threatened by depopulation.