Awards submission process and criteria
Submission Statement Criteria
Prior to preparing your online submission, please see below the specific criteria you will be required to respond to when entering your project or design innovation. Please note there are different sets of criteria used for different award categories. Please be sure that you prepare your submission against the correct criteria for the award category you are entering. You are allowed 1500 words in total for the submission.
If you are entering for the Design Research Award, you are required to submit the written paper using the online form. There is no requirement for this category to complete one of the criteria-based submission forms.
Awards criteria for:
> Design for large-scale healthcare infrastructure
> Design for small to medium-scale healthcare infrastructure
> Future healthcare design (unbuilt projects)
> Mental health design
> Design for health and life sciences
> Design for adaptation and transformation
Eligibility
Built projects completed between 1 January 2025 and 1 June 2026, with the exception of Future healthcare design, which only allows unbuilt projects in design development or under construction
Strategic alignment and clinical impact
Assesses how effectively the design supports wider health system objectives, enhances clinical quality and safety, and enables evolving models of care, including digital and community-centred delivery
Design quality, innovation and technical excellence
Evaluates the architectural quality, creativity and problem-solving demonstrated, including innovation in planning, technology integration, operational redesign, and the use of research, prototyping or user testing to inform decisions
Functionality, flexibility and operational performance
Reviews how well the scheme supports efficient departmental relationships, logistics and circulation, privacy and infection control, as well as its adaptability, modularity and capacity for future expansion
Sustainability, resilience and whole-life value
Considers achievements in environmental sustainability, carbon reduction, climate resilience, nature-based strategies, and the project’s long-term operational, material and lifecycle performance
Human experience, collaboration and community engagement
Examines the project’s commitment to patient and staff wellbeing, accessibility, inclusivity and health equity, alongside the quality of interior environments and the strength of engagement, governance, collaboration and shared learning throughout delivery
Awards criteria for:
> Excellence in healthcare planning
Eligibility
Planning strategies completed between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2025
Model of care development
Describe the process undertaken and methodology to propose and support contemporary and emerging models of care and respond to patient need, demand, equity and patient safety and dignity
Future readiness and evidence led redesign
Describe how the new clinical model or pathway anticipates future health needs, digital, workforce and population change, ensuring services can adapt, scale and remain resilient. Outline the strength of evidence, data and research, including demographic, morbidity and epidemiological data used to inform decisions and alignment with clinical priorities
Access, capacity and operational efficiency
Describe how the new model of care or pathways improve access for patients, the anticipated reduction in waiting times alongside any anticipated operational and clinical efficiencies. Particular consideration should be given to pathways, staff experience and how clinical and operational performance has been optimised
Flexibility and system integration
Describe how the model of care or pathway will provide adaptable and scalable plans in response to future health trends, population change, digital health and technological evolution, along with its integration within wider healthcare networks, communities and cross-sector partnerships
Stakeholder engagement
Describe the stakeholder engagement process, including the effectiveness of engagement with clinical, operational and community stakeholders throughout the planning process. Outline how strong relationships, co-design and clear communication supported shared understanding, alignment of priorities and timely decision-making, as well as the ability to build trust and ensure the final model of care or pathway reflects the needs of its users and partners
Awards criteria for:
> Interior design and the arts
Eligibility
Projects completed between 1 January 2025 and 1 June 2026
Design vision, integration and purpose
Evaluates the clarity and strength of the design concept, including how effectively interior design and the arts work together to express a cohesive narrative that aligns with the clinical, therapeutic and functional goals of the space
Wellbeing, experience and inclusivity
Assesses how the environment supports the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors, with attention to dignity, comfort, privacy and accessibility for diverse users, including neurodiverse and culturally varied communities
Creative and meaningful use of the arts
Recognises the quality, relevance and innovation of artistic elements and how meaningfully they are integrated into the architecture and care environment — including co-creation or collaboration with artists, patients, staff or local communities
Functionality, performance and sensory quality
Considers how the design supports clinical workflows, safety and infection prevention while balancing aesthetics with durability, maintainability and material suitability. Also evaluates sensory qualities such as light, acoustics, colour, texture and wayfinding
Sustainability, evidence and impact
Examines the ethical and sustainable use of materials and the alignment with organisational sustainability goals, alongside post-occupancy evidence — including feedback or data demonstrating improved experience, wellbeing or transferable lessons for future projects
Awards criteria for:
> Digital and technology transformation
Eligibility
Projects completed between 1 January 2025 and 1 June 2026
Integration of advanced digital technologies
Evaluates how effectively the project incorporates digital tools, smart systems, and emerging technologies, such as AI, IoT, automation, analytics, robotics or virtual environments, to enhance the functionality, intelligence and adaptability of healthcare spaces
Impact on clinical workflow and operational efficiency
Assesses the extent to which digital solutions improve workflow coordination, reduce friction in care delivery, streamline operations, and support clinicians in delivering safer, faster and more effective care
Enhancement of patient and staff experience
Considers how the digital design strategies contribute to improved comfort, accessibility, personalisation and satisfaction for patients, while also enhancing usability, safety, and well-being for staff
Data-driven design and performance optimisation
Recognises projects that meaningfully leverage data insights during planning, design, or operations to inform decision-making, predict needs, and continuously optimise building and system performance
Future-readiness and scalability of the digital strategy
Examines the project’s ability to support long-term adaptability, interoperability, security and resilience, ensuring the healthcare environment can evolve with technological advancements and future models of care
Awards criteria for:
> Innovation in healthcare construction technologies
Eligibility
Projects completed between 1 January 2025 and 1 June 2026
Advancement in construction technology application
Evaluates how effectively the project deploys innovative construction technologies—such as MMC, off-site fabrication, modular systems, robotics, automation, smart materials or digital fabrication—to enhance the delivery of healthcare infrastructure
Improvement in project efficiency, quality and safety
Assesses measurable benefits achieved through technological innovation, including reduced construction time, improved build quality, enhanced site and workforce safety, and more predictable project outcomes
Contribution to sustainability and environmental performance
Considers how the chosen technologies reduce environmental impact through material optimisation, waste reduction, energy-efficient processes, carbon reduction, and improved lifecycle performance of the facility
Value creation and cost effectiveness
Reviews how innovation has enhanced value for the client and end users—whether through reduced costs, improved operational performance, increased durability, or long-term savings enabled by new construction methods
Future-readiness, scalability and adaptability
Examines
the project’s capacity to support evolving healthcare needs, including the
adaptability of construction systems, ease of future expansion or
reconfiguration, and the scalability or replicability of the technological
approach across other healthcare projects
Awards criteria for:
> Healthcare interiors product
Eligibility
Products that came to market between completed between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2025
Design quality, functionality and user-centred performance
Evaluates how well the product addresses the specific needs of patients, residents, staff and visitors—supporting safety, comfort, dignity, usability and workflow efficiency within healthcare interiors
Innovation and problem-solving
Assesses the creativity and effectiveness of the product’s design solution, including how it responds to clinical challenges, enhances care delivery, or introduces new ways of improving interior environments
Safety, infection control and durability
Considers how the product supports clinical safety requirements through cleanability, antimicrobial performance, robust materials, and long-term durability appropriate for high-demand healthcare settings
Sustainability and environmental responsibility
Examines the product’s environmental impact across its lifecycle, including material sourcing, manufacturing processes, energy efficiency, recyclability, waste reduction and overall sustainable performance
Value, adaptability and contribution to wellbeing
Reviews how the product creates measurable value—such as improved outcomes, reduced operational burden, or enhanced wellbeing—along with its adaptability across diverse healthcare settings and future design needs
Awards criteria for:
> Design for neighbourhood health
Eligibility
Projects completed between 1 January 2025 and 1 June 2026
Community integration and accessibility
Evaluates how effectively the project connects with its surrounding neighbourhood, enhances local accessibility, supports inclusivity, and fosters a sense of belonging for residents and visitors
Promotion of health creation and wellbeing
Assesses the project’s ability to encourage healthier lifestyles through design features such as active travel routes, social spaces, supportive amenities, and environments that enhance physical, mental and social wellbeing
Use of nature-based solutions and landscape design
Considers the quality and impact of green infrastructure, biodiversity enhancement, therapeutic landscapes, and nature-led strategies that improve environmental resilience and enrich the local ecosystem
Sustainability and environmental performance
Reviews how the project supports sustainable living—through low-impact design, climate responsiveness, resource efficiency, and long-term environmental stewardship at the neighbourhood scale
Community value, innovation and long-term impact
Examines
the project’s overall contribution to the community, including innovative
approaches, measurable benefits, adaptability over time, and its role in
creating a healthier, more connected and future-ready neighbourhood
Awards criteria for:
> Design for sustainable development
Eligibility
Projects completed between 1 January 2025 and 1 June 2026
Environmental performance and carbon reduction
Evaluates the project’s measurable achievements in reducing environmental impact through low-carbon design, energy efficiency, renewable technologies, reduced embodied carbon, and clear progression towards net-zero goals
Integration of sustainable materials and circular design principles
Assesses the thoughtful application of sustainable, responsibly sourced, and low-impact materials, alongside strategies that support circularity—such as reuse, adaptability, longevity and minimising waste across the lifecycle
Climate resilience and nature-based solutions
Considers how the project enhances resilience to climate risks through passive design, green infrastructure, biodiversity improvements, and nature-based strategies that support both ecological health and human wellbeing
Social, economic and community value
Reviews the broader benefits delivered beyond environmental gains, including improved community wellbeing, social equity, operational cost savings, long-term value creation and contributions to healthier, more sustainable local environments
Leadership, innovation and whole-life performance
Examines
the project’s overall ambition, innovation and evidence-based approach to
sustainability, including whole-life carbon thinking, robust performance
evaluation, and the extent to which the scheme sets new benchmarks for
responsible, future-ready healthcare design
Awards criteria for:
> Healthcare design research
Eligibility
Research projects completed between 1 January 2025 and 31 January 2026
To enter this category, you are required to submit the written paper using the online form. There is no requirement for this category to complete one of the criteria-based submission forms.
To be eligible, you are required to submit your full paper, including references in PDF format.
Recommended word count is 3000-5000 words.
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Submission process
Who should enter?
The awards are open to international organisations and project teams in the public, private and academic sectors, participating in research, planning, procurement, design, construction and/or operation of healthcare facilities and environments.
Eligibility
Built projects or research programmes completed between 1 January 2025 and 1 June 2026 are eligible to enter. The exceptions are the Future Healthcare Design Award, which only allows projects in design development or under construction; the Design for Sustainable Development Award and the Excellence in Healthcare Planning Award which only allow projects completed between
1 January 2016 until 1 June 2026; and the Health and Life Sciences Award which accepts entries from 1 January 2024 to 1 June 2026. Projects may be entered into multiple categories, provided they are tailored to meet the specific requirements for the judging criteria of each award, but may not be re-entered in the same category in subsequent years.
Evaluation committee
The awards evaluation committee features international researchers and practitioners, who bring specialist multidisciplinary expertise to the specific categories they have been invited to judge. The shortlist and winner of each award are determined by a category chair, supported by two other judges with proven expertise in their field. This robust evaluation methodology ensures a balanced and transparent decision-making process. Any judge associated with any of the entries will withdraw from the relevant part of the adjudication process.
Judging process and criteria
Evaluation Phase 1: The judges will evaluate the submissions consisting of the submission statement and a 15-slide Powerpoint or PDF presentation against a strict methodology and criteria. The judges carry out their evaluations remotely and independently prior to conferring to agree a shortlist.
Evaluation Phase 2: The shortlisted projects will be invited to present virtually to the judges and a live audience in a 20-minute presentation including questions and answers.
The judges will then finalise their decision prior to the awards ceremony at the main European Healthcare Design 2026 Congress, 15-17 June, when the winners and high commendations will be announced and the awards presented. The specific judging criteria for each award category are available to view below prior to completing a formal online submission.
How to submit
To submit, click here. Choose the award category or categories you are entering, then follow these steps:
Step 1: Complete the online entry form, project summary and the 1250-word submission statement relevant to the category you are entering
Step 2: Upload a maximum of 10 images and 5 plans of the project both as a 15-slide PPT/ PDF format and in high-resolution jpeg format, and, if available, a video link of the project hosted on either YouTube or Vimeo.
Step 3: Complete payment to register your submission
Important notes: The submission statement and associated materials MUST explicitly address the criteria outlined on the submission statement forms. Please refer to the rules of entry for further information on payment and submission requirements.
Rules of entry
Please read the rules carefully. Failure to comply may lead to rejection.
1. Entries must reflect the criteria set out against each award and comprise the following items generated through the online submission process:
i) Completed entry form.
ii) Completed submission statement for the category or categories being entered, providing a project summary and addressing the award criteria in no more than 1250 words in total. Please note that the online form provides more characters than are necessary in each criteria section, which allows for flexibility in the response, but the total word count for the full submission should not exceed 1500 words.
iii) Ten images and five plans of the project/product, supplied in both a 15-slide Powerpoint or PDF presentation and as high-resolution jpeg images. Submissions for the building project categories should include interior and exterior photographs and any plans and drawings demonstrating key features of the project (eg, a site plan and a floor plan). These illustrations
must also be supplied at high-resolution (300+dpi) during Step 2 of the online submission process. Images in the slides may include small text captions, but any text should be removed from the high-resolution images.
iv) The standard fee for each entry is £150 + VAT. Members of Architects for Health, European Health Property Network, Australian Health Design Council and Healthcare Planning Academy are entitled to a discounted submission fee of £125 + VAT. Payment should be made by completing the credit card details in Step 3 of the online submission process. There is no fee for entering the Design Research for Healthcare Design category.
v) Agreement of the commissioning authority, building/project owner or other key authority as appropriate to the project submission.
2. On behalf of the judges, the organisers must be allowed reasonable access to make enquiries or request further information on a shortlisted submission.
3. The judges have absolute discretion to reject any entry that does not comply with the requirements of the rules; to determine the category for which any entry is eligible; and to make or withhold any award to any entry. The judges’ decision is final and binding on all entrants, and no discussion or correspondence relating to the judges’ decisions will be entered into.
4. It is a condition of entry that all written material, plans and images submitted may be reproduced by SALUS Global Knowledge Exchange and Architects for Health at no cost to themselves in such a form and in such media as deemed appropriate in announcing and/or promoting the 2026 and 2027 awards, and associated media and exhibition activities. This includes entry into the SALUS project database at www.salus.global.
5. All information regarding the results will be embargoed for publication until after the Awards Presentation Ceremony.
6. Entries must arrive no later than 26 February using the online submission process here.
Any questions on the submission process should be directed to info@europeanhealthcaredesign.eu and not directly to the judges.
