RIBA International Prize for university

An engineering and technology university in Lima, Peru, has won the first ever RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) International Prize. Setting a new global standard for architectural achievement, the prize has been judged by a grand jury chaired by the world-renowned architect Richard Rogers.

UTEC (Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia), designed by the Dublin-based firm Grafton Architects, is an inspirational new building in the Barranco district of Lima and a bold new addition to the city skyline. The Irish architecture firm, in collaboration with local partners Shell Arquitectos, has created a new campus building for Lima’s specialist engineering university, established to give young Peruvians access to qualifications and professional opportunities and to encourage social mobility. Speaking about the building, the RIBA jury said that UTEC was an exceptional example of civil architecture. The RIBA International Prize was created to celebrate civil architecture that empowers people and societies to innovate and progress.