The prestigious IALD Radiance Award for Excellence in Lighting Design was presented to Licht Kunst Licht AG for their transformative Cologne Cathedral: Exterior Lighting in Germany. The project showcases breakthrough heritage conservation techniques that reduce energy consumption and light pollution by substantial margins while revealing 50 percent more architectural detail than the previous system.
"The lighting design for Cologne Cathedral represents the pinnacle of what our profession can achieve," said IALD Awards Co-chair Colin Ball, IALD. "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 program recognized projects across three categories, with winners representing diverse building types, from sacred spaces and cultural institutions to resorts and memorials. Notable winners include:
IALD Awards of Excellence were presented to Buro Happold for Al Mujadilah Center & Mosque for Women in Doha, Qatar — the first purpose-built contemporary mosque designed specifically for women — and a collaborative effort by The Flaming Beacon and Isometrix for the Grand Hyatt Kunming in China, which reinterprets the natural beauty of Yunnan province through refined contemporary design.
IALD Awards of Merit honored eleven additional projects spanning Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, China, México, Brazil, and Japan. These projects demonstrate the global reach and cultural resonance of exceptional lighting design, from the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif by Speirs Major Light Architecture to the contemplative Memorial Brumadinho by Atiaîa Lighting Design commemorating victims of environmental tragedy.
This year's winning projects came from Germany, Qatar, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, México, 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 anonymized review process.
The presentation marked the first time the IALD International Lighting Design Awards ceremony was held in Europe, and coincided with Light + Building, the world's leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology. The event brought together nearly 200 professionals from around the globe to celebrate lighting design excellence and innovation.