Hakha-dong Complex Community Center takes gold; ceremony set for Oct. 29 opening of Daejeon Urban Architecture Culture Festival
Four buildings recognized for contributing to Daejeon's urban aesthetics and architectural culture have been named winners of the 2026 28th Daejeon Metropolitan City Architecture Award.
The city announced Tuesday that the Hakha-dong Complex Community Center took the gold prize, while the Anuta showcase earned the silver. The bronze went to two buildings: the Yucheon-dong Eoulim Center and Hannam University's Innovation Park Industry-Academia-Research Innovation Hub.
The Daejeon Architecture Award has been presented annually since its inaugural ceremony in 1989, making it the city's flagship architectural recognition program and a long-running driver of local building culture. Past winners are widely credited with raising the standard of architecture in the region.
This year's competition ran for about a month starting in June, drawing 10 entries. A jury composed of the city's chief architect and specialists from architecture-related academic societies and professional associations evaluated submissions through document reviews, presentations and on-site inspections before selecting the four winners.
The gold-winning Hakha-dong Complex Community Center drew high marks for its form and color palette, which harmonize with the surrounding natural environment. Judges also praised the design for using a central courtyard to link the functions of a multi-use facility despite the constraints of a rectangular site.
The awards ceremony will be held at the opening of the 2026 18th Daejeon Urban Architecture Culture Festival, running Oct. 29 through Nov. 1. Trophies and plaques will be presented to the designers and building owners of each winning project, and an exhibition of the winning works will run throughout the festival period.
"The Daejeon Architecture Award plays an important role in promoting outstanding buildings and advancing local architectural culture," a city official said. "We hope citizens and talented architects will continue to participate actively."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
