European Prize for Urban Public Space presents 25-strong shortlist

The race for Europe's most compelling new public space project is underway again, with 25 schemes making the shortlist for the 2026 European Prize for Urban Public Space. 

Selected from across the continent, this year's finalists showcase an impressive range of interventions — from transforming former industrial sites, rail yards, and markets into vibrant civic destinations to restoring rivers, expanding urban forests, and creating therapeutic landscapes that respond to climate change, biodiversity loss, and community wellbeing.

Finalists will present their work before the jury at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona this October, with the overall winner set to be announced on October 15.

Stay tuned for updates and check out the shortlisted projects below.