IOC IAKS architecture prize 2025: International jury to make decision in July

A major challenge awaits the members of this year's jury, who will decide on the winners of the IOC IAKS Architecture Prize 2025: over two and a half days, the six experts will select from 110 projects, including facilities in Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Singapore and Hungary. Of these, 40 entries are competing for the ‘IOC IAKS Architecture and Design Award for Students and Young Professionals 2025’.

This year, the jury is made up of six members who can rely on a wide range of expertise. Taking part for the first time are María de Lourdes Sandoval Martiñon from Mexico and Nicole Stobbe from Norway. María de Lourdes Sandoval Martiñon is a full-time professor and researcher at the UAM (Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Azcapotzalco) and heads the ‘Leisure and Environment’ research group and the ‘Recreation Observatory’ research laboratory. Nicole Stobbe of LINK Arkitekter has extensive experience in both new construction and renovation projects, with a strong focus on functionality, environmental responsibility, and user involvement.

The two architects can count on the teamwork with long-standing jury members Gary Conrad Boychuk, Klaus Meinel, Steven Mifsud, and Ernst-Ulrich Tillmanns.

Gary Conrad Boychuk is one of Canada’s foremost designers of multi-purpose mid-size spectator venues. He has been involved in over 120 sports and recreation initiatives throughout Canada and the United States.

Klaus Meinel has been responsible for the management of IAKS since 2003. He holds a diploma in landscape architecture after having visited universities in Hanover (Germany) and Tours (France) from 1988 to 1995.

Steven Mifsud is founder and CEO for the global awardwinning multi-faceted disability and inclusion organisation, Direct Access. He also took the position of Director of Accessibility (for Direct Access) on behalf of Dubai Expo2020 for the duration of the event.

Ernst-Ulrich Tillmanns founded 4a architects in 1990 after having worked for five years with Behnisch and Partners. He has realized numerous leisure and thermal pools, sports and health-oriented buildings, cultural and educational facilities as well as hotels.

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