From a vast indoor arena in Stockholm to a pioneering neutrino observatory in China, a 900-year-old heritage restoration in the UK, to community spaces and major infrastructure projects, the 2026 Structural Awards shortlist demonstrates how structural engineers today are helping to solve some of the world's most complex challenges.
The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) has revealed the 34 projects shortlisted for the 2026 Structural Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in structural engineering across the globe.
Representing 15 countries and six continents, this year's shortlist highlights the extraordinary breadth of structural engineering. The selected projects range from landmark transport infrastructure and cultural destinations to climate-resilient community developments, world-class scientific facilities, and the transformation of historic structures.
What unites these outstanding projects is a commitment to creating places and infrastructure that have a lasting positive impact on people, communities and the environment.
A global showcase of engineering excellence
Selected from almost 100 entries, the 2026 shortlisted projects were assessed by a panel of 21 judges led by Chair of Judges, Dr John Orr.
Projects were evaluated against four criteria that reflect the Institution's values and strategic priorities:
- Planet: environmental impact and sustainability
- People: social value and benefit to communities
- Process: technical excellence and innovation
- Profession: collaboration, leadership and advocacy
Together, the shortlisted entries provide the insight to a profession that is responding to some of the defining issues of our time, including climate change, urban growth, heritage preservation and the need for more inclusive, resilient places.
Building a sustainable future
The 2026 shortlisted projects showcase the growing importance of collaboration across disciplines, with engineers working closely alongside architects, contractors, clients and local communities to deliver lasting and successful outcomes.
Structural engineering's impact on society
Commenting on the shortlist, Yasmin Becker, Chief Executive of the Institution of Structural Engineers, 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."
Michelle McDowell MBE, a Structural Awards judge since 2018 added:
"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."
Celebrating the best in structural engineering
Established in 1968, the Structural Awards are among the most respected accolades in the profession. Over nearly six decades, the awards have recognised projects that demonstrate exceptional engineering skills, delivering innovation and impact, from landmark bridges and major infrastructure to transformative city-scape buildings and community-led projects.
Now in their 57th year, the awards continue to showcase the full scope of structural engineering, highlighting how the profession is evolving to meet changing societal, environmental and technological demands.
The winners will be announced at a dedicated ceremony in London in November.
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See the shortlist
2026 Structural Awards Shortlist
- 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 pools | 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 (sbp) | Xi'an, China
- York Minster Centre of Excellence | Webb Yates Engineers | York, UK