Fast Company’s 2026 Innovation by Design Awards in the architectural design category celebrates buildings, structures, and interior designs that address challenges in the built environment. This year, the top honor went to the University of California, Berkeley—Grimes Engineering Center, designed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. This project is notable for its adaptive reuse and innovative seismic-responsive structural system, setting a new standard for earthquake resilience. The awards highlight the importance of creative solutions in architecture that not only enhance functionality but also ensure safety and sustainability in the face of environmental challenges.
QUESTION: How might the development of earthquake-resistant buildings influence future urban planning and safety measures in areas prone to natural disasters?
The best architectural design of 2026
