Punchbowl Mosque was lauded by the jury as a “profoundly moving sacred space, magically conjured up in the everyday setting of a Sydney residential suburb.” Taking more than 20 years to deliver, the project demonstrates a meticulously planned use of space. Visual features and interior textures that reflect religious iconography have been carefully integrated.

In its citation, the judging panel wrote: “Entirely modern in its use of material and in its formal and spatial manipulation, the Punchbowl Mosque nevertheless seems to take its place confidently within the tradition of Muslim architecture. And although principally, and manifestly, designed to celebrate and intensify the experience of worship, the mosque also serves the wider community as a venue for meetings, festivals and events, and is already enormously valued locally for its openness and inclusivity.”

Simon Henley, chair of the RIBA Awards Group, said that each of the awarded projects makes a significant contribution to its local context and community, as well as demonstrating “a stimulating architectural response to RIBA’s stringent social, environmental and design values.”

RIBA president Muyiwa Oki said that supporting and working with architects and practices around the globe to promote excellence in architecture is central to RIBA’s purpose. “Now in its fourth iteration as an established part of the RIBA Awards calendar, the International Awards recognise and celebrate ambitious and impactful buildings across the world that create meaningful change.”

The awarded projects will now vie for the RIBA International Prize, with the shortlist and winner to be announced in November 2024. To find out more, visit the RIBA website.