Four projects receive 2025 ULI Europe Awards for Excellence

Four real estate developments have been honoured as the winners of the 2025 ULI Europe Awards for Excellence, showcasing top standards in land use across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

5Square, Egied van Broeckhovenschool, Forskaren, Midland Metropolitan University Hospital

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Europe announced the four winning projects this week from a pool of ten finalists. These diverse projects exemplify the highest achievements in planning, architecture, design, financial viability, sustainability, and community impact. Projects considered for the awards must be financially viable, significantly implemented, and originate from the private, public, or non-profit sectors within the EMEA region.
The winners include:
5Square, Milan, Italy (Residential Category): This social housing project by Redo transformed an abandoned commercial complex into a vibrant, affordable, and inclusive community. The jury praised its circular design and the revitalisation of a derelict site.
Egied van Broeckhovenschool, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Belgium (Education Category): Developed by Vzw Ignatius Scholen in Beweging and PREO, this new secondary school for 860 students repurposed a former brewery bottling plant. The project, designed by B2Ai architects and Stefaan Thiers, was lauded for preserving architectural heritage and integrating into a densely populated, deprived urban area, creating a source of pride for the neighbourhood.
Forskaren, Stockholm, Sweden (Other/Labs Category): Vectura's 24,000 m2 circular building in the Hagastaden health and life sciences district, designed by 3XN, serves as a flexible hub for work, co-working, laboratories, public restaurants, and exhibition space. The jury commended its public engagement, with areas like the atrium openly displaying science, fostering collaboration between industry, research, and academia.
Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Birmingham, UK (Other/Healthcare Category): This acute healthcare facility, owned by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust and designed by HKS, Cagni Williams, and Sonnemann Toon, aims to set a new standard for clinical design and drive community regeneration in a deprived area. The jury recognised the hospital for its innovative design that promotes healing and recovery.
Simone Santi, Chair of the 2025 ULI Europe Awards for Excellence Jury, said: “Our winners all certainly push the envelope, featuring groundbreaking healthcare, laboratory, education and residential projects. All demonstrate bold thinking in what is possible to achieve in urban development, and all of them are worthy of our celebration.”