About
When Ralph Erskine (1914–2005) came to Sweden in 1939, it was to study Swedish functionalism. He was captivated by the emerging ideas of the welfare state and the close relationship between design, architecture, and social responsibility. He stayed at the outbreak of war and became one of the leading figures in Swedish architecture for much of the 20th century.
Over the years, Ralph Erskine received several major awards for his architecture. The prize money formed the basis for the scholarship fund he and his wife Ruth established in 1988.
Ruth and Ralph Erskine Award
The award is given to a person, group, or organization that has demonstrated innovation in architecture and urban planning with regard to social, ecological, and aesthetic aspects. The efforts should primarily have benefited the less privileged in society. The prize is $10,000.
The 2026 Jury
Johannes Tovatt, Matilda Crisp, Gert Wingårdh, Carolina Wikström, Johanna Bratel, Mark Isitt and Charlotte Hybinette. Executive secretary: Pehr Mikael Sällström, Sveriges Arkitekter.
| Year | Laureate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | CO-HATY-initiativet |
| 2022 | Assemble Studio |
| 2017 | Architecture Faculty students, TU Kaiserslautern |
| 2014 | Joshua Bolchover & John Lin |
| 2010 | Alfredo Brillembourg & Hubert Klumpner |
| 2006 | Andrew Freear |
| 2003 | Barbara Southworth |
| 2000 | Daniel Morgan |
| 1997 | Hans Olav Hesseberg, Sixten Rahlff, Eli Synnevåg |
| 1995 | Yosef Mangunwijaya |
| 1993 | Jo Noero |
| 1991 | Per Christian Brynildsen & Jan Olav Jensen |
| 1989 | José Forjaz & Hjörleifur Stefánson |