(Germany) – The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) celebrated the 43^rd annual IALD International Lighting Design Awards during Light + Building, in a glittering ceremony at Frankfurt’s Depot 1899. The first time that the awards ceremony was held in Europe, the event recognised 14 outstanding architectural lighting design projects for their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity.

While the winning projects spanned across six continents, the top prize on the night, the IALD Radiance Award for Excellence in Lighting Design, was awarded to Licht Kunst Licht for its transformative exterior lighting of Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The project showcases breakthrough heritage conservation techniques that reduce energy consumption and light pollution by substantial margins, while revealing 50% more architectural detail than the previous system.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, IALD Awards Co-Chair Colin Ball said: “The lighting design for Cologne Cathedral represents the pinnacle of what our profession can achieve. This project demonstrates how contemporary lighting technology can enhance both the spiritual presence and civic identity of a historic monument while meeting modern sustainability standards.”

The 2026 IALD Awards programme recognised projects across three categories, with winners representing diverse building types, from sacred spaces and cultural institutions to resorts and memorials. Winning projects came from Germany, Qatar, China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Mexico, Brazil, and Japan – showcasing the international scope of lighting design excellence. The rigorous judging process included a seven-member international panel of renowned lighting designers, architects, and industry professionals, who evaluated each project through an anonymised review process.

The full list of winners includes:

IALD Radiance Award for Excellence in Lighting Design

Cologne Cathedral, Germany

Lighting Design: Licht Kunst Licht

 

IALD Awards of Excellence

Al Mujadilah: Centre & Mosque for Women, Qatar

Lighting Design: Buro Happold

 

Grand Hyatt Kunming: Public Areas & Rooms, China

Lighting Design: The Flaming Beacon & Isometrix

 

IALD Awards of Merit

At Turaif, Saudi Arabia

Lighting Design: Speirs Major Light Architecture

 

BAPS Hindu Mandir, UAE

Lighting Design: Studio Lumen

 

Chongqing Science Hall, China

Lighting Design: Beijing Pro Lighting Design

 

Desert Rock Resort, Saudi Arabia

Lighting Design: Delta Lighting Design

 

Four Seasons Tamarindo, Mexico

Lighting Design: Artec Studio

 

Hilton Niushoushan, China

Lighting Design: Brandston Partnership Inc

 

Li Shutong Park & Baoben Pagoda, China

Lighting Design: SUNLUX Lighting Design

 

Lugu Lake Lanyue Hotel, China

Lighting Design: Beijing Pro Lighting Design

 

Memorial Brumadinho, Brazil

Lighting Design: Atiaîa Lighting Design

 

NX Budokan, Japan

Lighting Design: Sirius Lighting Office

 

www.iald.org