Innovative, socially relevant, award-winning!
Since 1954, the Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft has been supporting young emerging talents in the field of architecture. Throughout its long tradition, the Architecture Prize has been continuously developed and today ranks among the most highly endowed awards for young architects.
The prize is awarded to graduates with a master’s degree in architecture or urban planning from German universities (no universities of applied sciences) who completed their studies within the past year. It provides them with valuable support right at the start of their careers.
The German Business Architecture Award
Each year, the Kulturkreis awards the German Business Architecture Prize to the best master’s thesis in the field of architecture and urban planning in Germany, recognising work that addresses socially relevant issues.
In addition to prize money, the winners will have the opportunity to present their approach (their personal design and architectural philosophy and stance on architecture and society) alongside renowned partners in public discussion forums, and to take part in a professional development programme or research trip.
By offering a self-designed professional development programme or a research trip—the concept of which must be presented to the jury in a convincing manner—the Kulturkreis enables emerging talents to further develop their professional and specialist skills.
The aim of the funding is to recognise Master’s theses that address socially relevant issues and propose innovative, creative and forward-looking solutions.
Competition 2025/2026
In 2025, the Kulturkreis launched a new competition profile, in which master’s theses that address socially relevant issues and propose innovative, creative, and forward-looking solutions will be awarded.
In addition to prize money of €20,000, the award winners will have the opportunity to present their approach. In public discussion formats with renowned partners, they can prove and further investigate their design and architectural position on social issues. Furthermore, the prize enables young talents to take part in a self-chosen research trip or training program in order to further develop their professional and technical skills.
Further information about this year’s competition can be found here.
Latest news from the Architecture programme
Information about the current competition will be available here shortly.
Contact
Do you have any questions? Feel free to get in touch with us!
For questions regarding the application and competition:
Dr. Francesco Albé
Program Officer, Architecture
a.albe@kulturkreis.eu
+49 30 2028 1519
Media partner
Sponsor
The Architecture Prize of the German Economy is funded by
An architecture competition for graduates is an investment in the future of our built environment. Young architects bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and the courage to explore new paths—especially in times when sustainability, resource conservation and social responsibility are paramount. By supporting the Architecture Prize of the German Economy, we are strengthening innovation, equal opportunity and the building culture of tomorrow.
