Winners have been announced for the 2021 Philippe Rotthier European Prize for Architecture. The winners’ works have contributed to enhancing the environment while respecting this year’s theme of “Spirit of the place”. 

The 100 candidate projects came from 17 European countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom. 

Seven projects were also submitted from the following countries: Bangladesh, Benin, Gambia, India, Israel, Morocco, Mauritius, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

German architect Anna Heringer has won The Grand Prix Phillipe Rotthier (€20,000) for her project “Anandaloy” (Reception centre for handicapped persons and sewing workshop for women “Dipdii Textiles”) in Rudrapur, Bangladesh.

Anna Heringer and her team designed a reception centre for handicapped persons and sewing workshop for women, known as Anandaloy, in Rudrapur in northern Bangladesh. 

The building was constructed in mud and bamboo in cooperation with the inhabitants of the village and in the framework of a partnership between Bangladesh and Germany. The building celebrates human diversity and radiates beauty. This project is accompanied by a textile and clothing production programme that provides women with an opportunity to remain with their families and to contribute to the family income. The large ramp running from the ground to the first floor is testimony to the commitment of the entire community to this integration project.

The Special Jury Prize has been awarded to the French writer and journalist Stéphane Bern for his determining role in promoting awareness, protection and enhancement of the architectural heritage through his television programmes such as Secrets d’histoire and Villages, Monuments and Jardins préférés des français.

He has shared his passion with millions of people and inspired many heritage vocations. He has himself acted to safeguard a 17th century college. The ‘Heritage Lotto” created as part of the mission conferred upon him by the French President also helps to save threatened monuments by closely involving the general public in the cause.

Artistic Mentions included Onzgi, artist and architect from Switzerland for the artist’s project “Somewhere”, RAAAF ǀ Atelier de Lyon from the Netherlands for the artist’s project Deltawerk in Waterloopbos.