Below is a selection of news related to traditional building, architecture and urbanism:
– Traditional Building Cultures Foundation –
Call for Entries Open for the Richard H. Driehaus Architecture Competition 2025–2027
The Traditional Building Cultures Foundation has launched the second phase of the Richard H. Driehaus Architecture Competition 2025–2027, an international competition inviting architects of all nationalities to develop architectural and urban design proposals for three Spanish towns: Aracena (Huelva), Frigiliana (Málaga) and Sahagún (León), selected during the first phase of the competition.
A first prize of €12,000 will be awarded for each of the three sites, along with up to three honourable mentions of €2,000 each per town.
Participation is free and open to architects and teams from Spain and abroad. The deadline for submitting proposals is February 11, 2027, at 19:00 (CET).
Full Programme of the Seventh International Conference on Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism
The full programme of the seventh edition of the International Conference on Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism, which will take place in Seville from November 13 to 15, 2026, has now been published.
The Conference will address a range of topics related to traditional architecture, urbanism and building cultures, with a specific thematic focus on Seville, its architecture, heritage and urban development. The programme includes lectures by international architects and specialists, discussions and technical visits.
The Conference has been organised thanks to Richard H. Driehaus by the Traditional Building Cultures Foundation and the Casa Ducal de Medinaceli Foundation, in collaboration with INTBAU Spain, the University of Seville, the HUM976 Research Group: Expregráfica. Place, Architecture and Drawing, the Royal Sevillian Academy of Letters and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Santa Isabel de Hungría.
The “Craft, Architecture and Territory” Event Brought Together Architecture and Traditional Crafts Professionals in Chantada
The “Craft, Architecture and Territory” event, held on September 26 and 27, 2026, in Os Casares, in the municipality of Chantada (Lugo), brought together master craftspeople, architects and other professionals to reflect on the relationship between traditional building crafts, architecture and the territory. The event was organised by the Fundación Artesanía de Galicia – Xunta de Galicia, in collaboration with the Traditional Building Cultures Foundation and Espacio Vilaseco, and was curated by Alejandro García Hermida.
As a complement to the event, a workshop entitled “Natural Colours in Contemporary Construction” was held on September 28 and 29, led by master painter and scagliola artisan Luis Prieto. The workshop gave participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of local natural pigments, their applications and their historical evolution.
– News –
9th Annual Conference of Portugal’s National Policy on Architecture and Landscape
On October 2, José Baganha participated, on behalf of the Traditional Building Cultures Foundation, in the 9th Annual Conference of the National Policy on Architecture and Landscape (PNAP), held in Arganil, Portugal. On this occasion, the Foundation and the Commission for Monitoring Architecture and Landscape (CAAP), represented by the Directorate-General for Territory (Direção-Geral do Território), agreed to establish a partnership aimed at promoting the quality of architecture and landscape within the framework of Portugal’s National Policy on Architecture and Landscape.
Sixteen Finalists Shortlisted for the 19th National Crafts Awards
The 19th edition of the National Crafts Awards received 127 applications, from which the selection committee shortlisted 16 finalists across five categories. Among the finalists for the National Crafts Award are Artesanía en Vidrio J. Sorribes and master potter Juan Pablo Martínez Sánchez, known as “Pablo Tito”, both of whom are members of the Spanish Network of Traditional Building Crafts Masters.
A New International Association Founded in Australia to Promote Traditional Architecture
The Architects Association is a new international organisation dedicated to promoting traditional and classical architecture, with particular emphasis on local traditions, natural materials and the sustainability of traditional building methods.
Based in Tasmania and open to professionals worldwide, the Association will undertake activities in education, research, publishing and professional exchange.
Its first international conference, Architecture of Continuity, is provisionally scheduled for March 11–12, 2027, in Tasmania and will be dedicated to the memory of architect Léon Krier.
– Education –
Traditional Stonemasonry and Carpentry Workshops in Alsace
On November 14 and 15, 2026, two workshops dedicated to traditional building crafts will take place in Westhoffen (Alsace, France), organised by La Table Ronde de l'Architecture as part of the INTBAU Grassroots programme, in collaboration with the Association pour la Sauvegarde de la Maison Alsacienne (ASMA).
Master stonemason Jacques Bruderer will lead an introductory stone carving workshop, covering the basics of stereotomy and practical exercises in restoring a sandstone spiral staircase. Meanwhile, Martin Lefort will lead a traditional carpentry workshop focusing on joinery techniques and the restoration of an oak timber-framed wall.
Autumn Course on Traditional Mudejar Carpentry in Narros del Castillo
From November 20 to 22, 2026, the Escuela de Carpintería de lo Blanco in Narros del Castillo (Ávila) will host a course entitled “How to Design and Build a Mudejar Roof Structure”, taught by Ángel María Martín.
The course will offer a practical introduction to the design and construction of interlaced timber roof structures, based on the methods described in Diego López de Arenas’ treatise on traditional Spanish timber carpentry (carpintería de lo blanco).
More information: +34 630 144 044
Conference on Traditional Architecture, Energy Efficiency and Climate Adaptation
On November 5 and 6, 2026, the Palacio de Camarena in Cáceres will host the International Conference on Traditional Architecture, Energy Efficiency and Climate Adaptation in the EUROACE Region, organised by the Official Association of Architects of Extremadura (COADE).
The event will bring together professionals and institutions from Spain and Portugal to address architectural heritage conservation, energy-efficient retrofitting and climate adaptation, with particular emphasis on rural areas. Attendance is free, but prior registration is required.
Jaén to Host International Conference on Renaissance Architecture in the Mediterranean
On November 10 and 11, 2026, Jaén will host the international conference “Mediterranean Architectures: The Circulation of Models, Architecture and Identities in Renaissance Europe”, directed by Helena Pérez Gallardo, from the Complutense University of Madrid, and Felipe Serrano Estrella, from the University of Jaén.
The programme will comprise four thematic sessions, complemented by visits to Jaén Cathedral and the towns of Baeza and Úbeda. The conference is organised by the University of Jaén, through UJA Cultura and the Andrés de Vandelvira Chair.
Specialist Course on Traditional Lime Stucco Techniques in Barberà del Vallès
On December 28, 29 and 30, 2026, a theoretical and practical course on traditional scagliola will take place in Barberà del Vallès (Barcelona), focusing on fire-polishing techniques. The course will be taught by master craftsman Oriol Garcia Alcocer, a sixth-generation scagliola artisan and member of the Spanish Network of Traditional Building Crafts Masters.
The programme will cover the properties of lime, natural aggregates and pigments, mortar mix proportions and various traditional techniques, including sgraffito, scagliola and fresco painting with a fire-polished finish.
Places are limited, and prior knowledge of lime stucco is recommended.
Further information and registration: estucsoriolgarcia@estucsoriolgarcia.com
