Student receives global recognition with prestigious international architecture award win.

James Langlois, an architecture student originally from Guernsey, has won the highly coveted EU Mies Van Der Rohe Young Talent Open 2025 award, marking a major milestone in his budding career. The award was presented during a prestigious ceremony in Venice, celebrating the world’s most promising student architects.

A Global Recognition of Young Talent

Langlois emerged as the winner among 80 international nominees from regions including Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australasia. His winning project, Poolside Politics, was selected for its innovation, sustainability, and powerful social message. The project focused on revitalising a disused community swimming pool on the outskirts of Marseille, France.

Poolside Politics: Architecture for Social Impact

Langlois’ vision went beyond simple renovation. He proposed a citizen-led regeneration of the site that incorporates low-cost housing, community-managed food systems, and a revival of Marseille’s soap-making heritage. The design presented a holistic approach to community development, sustainability, and heritage preservation.

The jury praised the project for being “deeply connected to the community it aims to serve” and “a demonstration of how architecture can inspire social transformation.”

From Guernsey Roots to International Acclaim

Langlois’ passion for architecture stems from his childhood in Guernsey, where he was actively involved in his parents’ local architectural practice. That early exposure laid the foundation for a socially conscious design philosophy that shines through in his work.

His academic journey includes a standout undergraduate education at Liverpool University School of Architecture, where he earned a nomination for the RIBA President’s Bronze Medal. He then achieved a Master’s in Architecture with distinction from the University of Westminster, earning further accolades, including a RIBA President’s Silver Medal nomination and the RIBA West London Best Student Project Award.

Looking Ahead

Currently based in London and working with an architectural firm, Langlois is preparing for his final professional exams to become a fully chartered architect. While his international recognition places him among the most promising young professionals in the field, Langlois remains committed to using architecture as a force for good.

Speaking after receiving the award, he said, “It’s an honour to win this award. I could never have imagined that my architectural education would be recognised in a moment like this.”

Architecture as a Tool for Regeneration

The EU Mies Van Der Rohe Young Talent Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions for emerging architects globally. It celebrates student work that pushes boundaries and reflects innovation and purpose. Langlois’ project stood out not only for its creative merit but also for its community-driven approach—reimagining design as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and ecological responsibility.

Poolside Politics is a reminder of architecture’s potential to do more than shape skylines—it can also rebuild communities and honor cultural legacies. Langlois’ project serves as a powerful example of design rooted in humanity.

FAQs

Q: What is the EU Mies Van Der Rohe Young Talent Award?
A: It is a prestigious international prize that recognises outstanding student architectural projects across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australasia.

Q: What was James Langlois’ winning project about?
A: His project, Poolside Politics, proposed the transformation of a disused pool in Marseille into a community-led development focused on housing, food production, and traditional crafts.

Q: Where is James Langlois from?
A: He is originally from Guernsey and now works in London.

Q: What are Langlois’ future plans?
A: He is working toward becoming a fully chartered architect and aims to continue designing socially impactful architecture.

Q: Why is this award significant?
A: It highlights young architects who are using design to tackle real-world challenges, blending creativity with social responsibility.