The Daylight Award: Celebrating Architecture and Research since 1980

Honouring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to daylight research and daylight in architecture, The Daylight Award recognises the value of integrating scientific knowledge and practical application, bridging traditionally separated disciplines.

Established by the philanthropic foundations Villum Foundation (DK), VELUX FOUNDATION (DK), and Velux Stiftung (CH), the award celebrates the vital role daylight plays in enhancing the quality of life on Earth.

Since its establishment, The Daylight Award has recognised a distinguished group of laureates, including:
1980: Jørn Utzon
1987: Henning Larsen
2007: Bob Gysin
2008: Richard Perez
2010: James Carpenter
2010: Peter Zumthor
2011: Lacaton & Vassal
2012: Gigon & Guyer
2014: SANAA
2016: Steven Holl and Marilyne Andersen
2018: Hiroshi Sambuichi and Greg Ward
2020: Henry Plummer, Juha Leiviskä and Russell Foster
2022: Yvonne Farrell & Shelley McNamara (Grafton Architects), and Anna Wirz-Justice
2024: Alberto Campo Baeza and Till Roenneberg

The award continues to inspire innovative thinking and practices in the use of natural light, highlighting the dynamic interplay between daylight, human well-being and the environment.

Find out more about the distinguished laureates through presentations of their work, showcased in portrait films and video documentation of their lectures:
https://thedaylightaward.com/