Thirty-four projects from 15 countries have been shortlisted for the Institution of Structural Engineers’ (IStructE) Structural Awards 2026, recognising work across infrastructure, heritage and low-carbon design.
The shortlist spans six continents and includes cultural venues, transport infrastructure, climate-resilient community schemes, and the restoration of historic landmarks. Entries were judged against four criteria: planet, people, process and profession, with each project required to submit embodied carbon calculations using the IStructE Carbon Calculator.
The judging panel, chaired by Dr John Orr, selected the 34 shortlisted schemes from almost 100 entries submitted by companies worldwide.
Yasmin Becker, IstructE’s chief executive, said: “This year’s shortlist is a powerful demonstration of what structural engineering can achieve. Every project combines technical excellence with ingenuity and purpose.
“Together, they show how collaboration and shared expertise can deliver infrastructure and places that truly benefit people and communities. At a time of growing global challenges, these projects highlight the vital role structural engineers play in creating a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive future.”
Established in 1968, the Structural Awards are regarded as one of the profession’s most prominent international accolades. The inaugural award was presented to the Severn Bridge; the awards are now in their 57th year.
Michelle McDowell MBE, a 2026 Structural Awards judge, said: “This year’s shortlist is impressive on every level. Structural engineers are pushing boundaries with innovative solutions, overcoming complex construction challenges, and finding new ways to reuse materials and reduce environmental impact.
“What stands out most is the strength of collaboration. Across every project, engineers are working closely with clients, architects, contractors and communities to shape ideas, solve problems, and deliver outcomes that benefit both the profession and society.”
The winners will be announced on 6 November at a ceremony in London.
Shortlisted entrants
- Avicii Arena – schlaich bergermann partner (sbp) – Stockholm, Sweden
- Barbados National Performing Arts Centre, phase 1 – StructureCraft – Newton, Barbados
- Boot Factory – Partridge – Sydney, Australia
- Boston Lodge Works – Integral Engineering Design – Gwynedd, UK
- Carillon Tower, national war memorial – Holmes – Wellington, New Zealand
- Castle Meadow Campus – Arup – Nottingham, UK
- Chengdu open-air music theatre – China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Corp. Ltd – Sichuan, China
- Colne Valley Viaduct – Align-D (Rendel, Ingérop and Jacobs) – Buckinghamshire, UK
- Danube Valley Bridge – schlaich bergermann partner (sbp) – Linz, Austria
- Drammen City Bridge – Degree of Freedom – Drammen, Norway
- Grimes Engineering Center – Skidmore, Owings & Merrill – Berkeley, USA
- The Hive – Fast + Epp – Vancouver, Canada
- Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory central detector – Beijing Institute Architectural Design – Guangdong, China
- Kew Carbon Garden Pavilion – Format Engineers – London, UK
- Legislative Council Complex expansion – WSP – Hong Kong
- Manchester Airport transformation: Terminal 2 reconfiguration – Buro Happold – Manchester, UK
- Mangrove – Arup – Manila, Philippines
- Norwich Castle: Royal Palace Reborn – Conisbee – Norwich, UK
- One New Zealand Stadium – Mott MacDonald – Christchurch, New Zealand
- Senqu Bridge – Zutari – Lesotho
- Somethinging – Price & Myers – London, UK
- Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway ramp – Eckersley O’Callaghan – Sydney, Australia
- Tarlair outdoor pool pavilion – Narro Associates – Aberdeenshire, UK
- Techo International Airport – Foster + Partners – Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- The Keep – BW Murray (BWM) – Belfast, UK
- The Place fire remediation – Engenuiti – Leeds, UK
- The Tea Factory – BWB Consulting – Birmingham, UK
- The Youth Hub – Lewis Bradford Consulting Engineers – Christchurch, New Zealand
- Tianfu Agro-Expo Innovation Hub – China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Corp. Ltd – Sichuan, China
- Timber warehouse transformation – Søren Jensen Consulting Engineers – Østbirk, Denmark
- Urban Mining – Webb Yates Engineers – London, UK
- Winchester College swimming pool – Arup – Winchester, UK
- Xi’an International Football Center – Shanghai Institute of Architectural Design & Research Co., Ltd and schlaich bergermann partner – Xi’an, China
- York Minster Centre of Excellence – Webb Yates Engineers – York, UK
Main image: Barbados National Performing Arts Centre, phase 1, Newton, Barbados. Credit: Peter Maier
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