Balearic Social Housing Model Wins 2026 OBEL Award for Innovative Design
By Editor • September 1, 2026 • 1 min read
The 2026 OBEL Award has been awarded to the Balearic Social Housing Model, a pioneering initiative that redefines public housing in the Balearic Islands. This model, developed between 2019 and 2023, showcases innovative strategies for creating residential spaces for vulnerable communities.
Key figures behind this initiative include economist Cris Ballester Parets and Carles Oliver Barceló, IBAVI’s Technical Department head. Their collaboration demonstrates how public institutions can effectively contribute to environmental, social, and economic innovation, resulting in a significant increase in housing during their partnership.
Nathalie de Vries, chair of the OBEL Award jury, praised the model for its innovative approach, emphasizing that effective architecture extends beyond design and materials to include procurement and policy processes. This framework is particularly relevant as public housing shortages affect regions worldwide.
The jury recognized this housing model for its revolutionary yet practical approach, aligning with the award's theme of 'Systems’ Hack.' Jesper Eis Eriksen, director of the OBEL Foundation, noted that this theme will continue into 2027, inviting further exploration of how architecture can improve existing systems.
Source: www.wallpaper.com
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