De Nieuwe Defensie project in Utrecht shortlisted for the Rietveld Prize 2026

We are proud to share that De Nieuwe Defensie – Blocks 1 & 2 has been shortlisted for the Rietveld Prize 2026. At the same time, BPD | Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling has been nominated for the Truus Schröder Prize for outstanding clientship.

Located within Utrecht’s Merwedekanaalzone, De Nieuwe Defensie transforms a former military site into a contemporary mixed-use neighbourhood where living, working, meeting, and green space are carefully integrated.

Designed by STUDIO OXS/MLA+, the project places everyday life at its core. A diverse mix of housing, generous public spaces, collective roof gardens, and shared circulation areas create opportunities for social interaction while strengthening the relationship between private and public space. Throughout the neighbourhood, landscape acts as the connecting framework, contributing to a resilient, climate-adaptive, and livable urban environment.

This nomination is above all a recognition of the close collaboration that made the project possible. Our thanks to BPD | Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling, ANA architecten, Studio OXS, SVP Architectuur en Stedenbouw, and OKRA landscape architects for the inspiring collaboration.

Congratulations to all the nominees. We look forward to the award ceremony in November.