Overview
Established in 2013 as the RAIC Moriyama Prize, the RAIC International Prize was created based on the belief of Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama that remarkable architecture has the power to transform society by promoting humanistic values of social equality, respect, and inclusiveness. It aims to create environments that contribute to the well-being of all people.
In 2023, the RAIC International Prize evolved to reflect the broader mission, vision, and values of the RAIC. This evolution introduced an annual thematic focus, emphasizing contemporary and critical issues in architecture.
The RAIC International Prize honours the belief that exceptional architecture can transform society by promoting humanistic values such as social equity, respect, and inclusiveness, and by creating environments for the well-being of all people.
The prize recognizes international architects, practices, and organizations beyond Canada that exemplify the RAIC’s values of integrity, climate action, reconciliation, social justice, and innovation. Through this initiative, the RAIC seeks to elevate exemplary global practices within an identified annual theme of relevance within Canada’s architectural community.
In recognition of the pressing planetary urgency of climate change and the RAIC’s Resolution for Urgent and Sustained Action on Climate and Ecological Health and the RAIC Climate Action Plan, the 2025 theme for the RAIC International Prize is Climate Action. The 2025 Prize seeks to recognize an architect, a practice or an architecturally focused group that exemplifies design excellence in climate action and regenerative development and design. Exemplars will demonstrate new precedents and innovative approaches to strengthening ecosystem and human health for present and future generations.
