What the 2026 CODAawards Jury Had to Say...

The CODAawards jurors—leaders in design, art, architecture, and placemaking—approach their task with discernment and dedication, carefully reviewing each entry to evaluate its artistic excellence, integration with the surrounding environment, and overall impact. With a deep appreciation for the power of collaboration in public art, they work diligently to spotlight the most compelling projects from around the world. Their rigorous scoring process ensures that only the most innovative and inspiring works rise to the top, earning the honor of a CODAaward.

Naga, submitted by Element 26

WINNER: Most Inspirational

“A playful and engaging piece; it has a strong visual presence, helping it to stand out as a memorable landmark.”

— Deirdre MacWilliams, Director of Cultural Affairs, Arlington County, VA

"Appreciate the public engagement piece of this project. The community has created a piece that is rich with meaning and authenticity.”

— André Zhang Sonera, Indiana Arts Commission

RISING TOGETHER, submitted by Bimmer Torres

MERIT WINNER: Most Inspirational

“This is a compelling and engaging work that thoughtfully references the history and character of the site while presenting it in a fresh and contemporary way. The bold use of color gives the piece a strong visual presence, helping it stand out as a memorable landmark.”

— Deirdre MacWilliams, 

Chester I. Lewis Reflection Park, submitted by Ellamonique Baccus

MERIT WINNER: Most Inspirational

“I appreciate how the many individual elements work together to create a cohesive and engaging entrance to the public park. The project functions on multiple levels, as a gateway, gathering space, performance venue, and community landmark. The thoughtful integration of references to the city’s history and identity creates layers of discovery for visitors, while the overall composition successfully brings these diverse elements together into a unified and welcoming public experience.”

— Deirdre MacWilliams

We Belong, submitted by Orlosky Studio

MERIT WINNER: Most Inspirational

“This project embodies the power of collaboration and shared meaning. The materiality is beautiful and thoughtfully executed, reinforcing the themes of connection and belonging that are central to the work. I am particularly moved by the engagement of youth in the creation process, which gives the piece an authenticity and sense of ownership that extends beyond the artwork itself.”

— Deirdre MacWilliams

Silver Lining, submitted by Rob Ley Studio

WINNER: Art for Interiors

“Interactive, playful, and dynamic, the installation is constantly changing through people's engagement and movement. It is visually compelling from both near and far, creating interest without overwhelming the space. The integration with the surrounding environment is seamless, generating a natural sense of flow and connection. The execution is elegant, thoughtful, and beautifully realized.“

— Luis Pons Design Lab

“Simple idea with massive impact, beautifully integrated into and "reflective" of its context.“

— Adam Rolston

“The piece is engaging, mesmerizing, and beautifully integrated into the space. I love that the piece transforms and is responsive to viewers and the environment.“

— Jennifer Seay

74M, submitted by Elkus Manfredi Architects

MERIT WINNER: Art for Interiors

”High marks for architectural integration. These works become integral to defining the atmosphere and spatial character of the architecture.”

— Adam Rolston

”I love the mix of media, the connection to the community, and pieces that offer surprise and delight, whether that is by creative use of materials, art that transforms from different perspectives, or hidden easter eggs waiting to be discovered.”

— Jennifer Seay

Chromatic Harmony, submitted by Project One Studio

MERIT WINNER: Art for Interiors

“I love the storytelling inherent in these pieces. They are also thoughtful, engaging, innovative, and beautifully executed. I think this installation exemplifies every judging criteria. It would be a joy to walk into work and see these stunning pieces every day.“

— Jennifer Seay

The Dreams We Carry, submitted by Kobayashi Studios

WINNER: Art in Transportation

“Appreciate the public engagement piece of this project, where the artist solicited input from MSP passengers on what items they would take with them.“

— André Zhang Sonera, Indiana Arts Commission

“Outstanding use of materials and relationship to its setting.“

— Allison Hays Lane, Olana Group

“This project demonstrates an exceptional level of community engagement. The artist clearly invested time in listening to people, understanding their stories, and asking thoughtful questions that allowed meaningful connections to emerge. By incorporating cherished personal possessions and memories into the work, the artist has created a public artwork that feels deeply rooted in the community it serves. The result is both delicate and resilient—thoughtful and eloquent in its expression, yet substantial in its emotional impact. It honors individual experiences while weaving them into a collective narrative, creating a piece that is rich with meaning and authenticity.“

— Deirdre MacWilliams, Director of Cultural Affairs, Arlington County, VA

Moving Colour - Linewide Graphic Trail, submitted by Moving Colour Studio

MERIT WINNER: Art in Transportation

“How special it is for an artist to have the opportunity to influence so much of the surrounding infrastructure. The scale of the intervention allows the artwork to become an integral part of the environment rather than simply an addition to it. What is particularly successful is the artist’s ability to carry their theme consistently throughout the project, creating a cohesive experience that ties together multiple elements and spaces. The result is a strong sense of identity and place that is both memorable and immersive.“

— Deirdre MacWilliams, Director of Cultural Affairs, Arlington County, VA

“I'm impressed with the scale and magnitude of this project, especially as it takes advantage of a new public infrastructure as a canvas to connect the city and the rest of the suburbs.“

— André Zhang Sonera, Indiana Arts Commission

A Future as Firmament, submitted by Lu Yuanliang

MERIT WINNER: Art in Transportation

“I find this demonstrates a very inspired use of materials and historical references to Chinese culture and architecture.“

— Allison Hays Lane

“Wow—what an intricate and elegant gesture. The level of detail and craftsmanship is truly stunning, creating a work that feels both refined and captivating. There is a sense of grace and intentionality throughout the piece, drawing viewers in and rewarding close observation. It is a beautiful example of how thoughtful design and execution can create a powerful visual and emotional impact.“

— Deirdre MacWilliams

River Tunnel, submitted by Gordon Huether + Partners, Inc.

MERIT WINNER: Art in Transportation

“I have enjoyed this airport walkway very much and felt that it worked well in both summer and winter months creating a calming and relaxing space.“

— Allison Hays Lane

“What an immersive installation for an airport. The work draws travelers through the concourse much like a river, using color, material, light, and movement to create a strong sense of flow and direction. It transforms the experience of passing through the space, guiding visitors in a way that feels both intuitive and engaging. The project is especially successful in its integration across multiple surfaces and elements. Rather than existing solely as a ceiling installation, it extends to the walls and incorporates lighting in a way that creates a cohesive and enveloping environment. The result is a memorable and dynamic artwork that enhances the architecture while providing a distinctive sense of place.“

— Deirdre MacWilliams

Loom, submitted by Ines Esnal, ESNAL, LLC

WINNER: Art for Festivals + Events

“Breathtaking and exquisite.“

— Elaine Dillard, Discovery Green Conservancy

“This work succeeds by translating the language of weaving into space, creating a setting that feels both deeply rooted and entirely contemporary.“

— Allison Hays Lane, Olana Group

The Whimsical Toy Chest, submitted by Hugo Laliberte

MERIT WINNER: Art for Festivals + Events

“What makes this work special is that it gives adults permission to play.“

— Tiffany Thompson, Petrichor Projects

Redwood Ripple, submitted by Rbhu Engineering

WINNER: Suspended Art

“Beautiful design and excellent application. Surprising, playful, innovative!”

— Elaine Dillard, Discovery Green Conservancy

Off the Beaten Path, submitted by Poetic Kinetics, Inc.

MERIT WINNER: Suspended Art

“It is simply magnificent in all aspects!“

— Jennifer Seay

Celestial Falls, submitted by Amber Lelli Art

MERIT WINNER: Suspended Art

“Remarkably complex and detailed.“

— Tima Bell, Bell Design Group

Taking Stock, submitted by Cliff Garten Studio

WINNER: Sculpture

“The sweeping forms are beautifully executed, and the integration of the cowgirl and the bull into a single work is both inventive and visually striking. The piece conveys an impressive sense of movement and vitality despite its static form.“

—  Tima Bell, Bell Design Group

Leaves, submitted by Rbhu Engineering

MERIT WINNER: Sculpture

“The scale and form of this piece are truly impressive. I appreciate how the cocoon-like structure references natural environments while also evoking something more dreamlike and imaginative. The work creates a strong sense of curiosity and discovery, inviting people to approach, explore, and spend time with it. It feels like a place one would genuinely want to visit and experience firsthand.“

— Deirdre MacWilliams

The Denver Art Museum Campus Trilogy, submitted by Paula Castillo

MERIT WINNER: Sculpture

“The form is interesting and visually distinctive, offering an intriguing presence within the site. However, I find myself wanting more from the piece in terms of engagement. While it captures attention initially, it does not feel particularly inviting or encourage further exploration, interaction, or discovery.“

— Deirdre MacWilliams

RISE submitted by Matthew Mazzotta

MERIT WINNER: Sculpture

“Colorful, kinetic, diaphanous - an extraordinary eye catching piece.“

— Tima Bell

Undercurrents, submitted by Weingarten Art Group

WINNER: Experimental Art

“What makes this work exceptional is its ability to use the Cistern's architecture, acoustics, and history to connect individual voices across time, creating a conversation that feels both intimate and monumental.“

— Tiffany Thompson, Petrichor Projects

Human Perches, submitted by Daily tous les jours

MERIT WINNER: Experimental Art

“Human Perches creates a moment of reciprocity between people and the natural world, rewarding stillness, attentiveness, and presence.“

— Tiffany Thompson, Petrichor Projects

Weci | Koninut, submitted by Creos

MERIT WINNER: Experimental Art

“Weci | Koninut honors Atikamekw culture through storytelling, seasonal knowledge, and traditional dreamcatchers, creating a space where visitors can slow down and connect with a living cultural tradition.“

— Tiffany Thompson, Petrichor Projects

Joining Hands, submitted by RE:site

WINNER: Experimental Art

“Beautiful, meaningful storytelling with expert execution.“

— Jennifer Seay, Art + Artisans

Iconic Blooms of San Diego County, submitted by Aesthetics, Inc.

MERIT WINNER: Murals

“A very thoughtful art intervention that adds significant value to both the building's interior and exterior environments. It is a strong addition to the facade, enhancing the architecture while creating a memorable and transformative experience for hospital patients, visitors, and staff. Elegant, purposeful, and highly effective.“

— Luis Pons, Luis Pons Design Lab

Suwanee's Reading Grotto, submitted by the City of Suwanee

MERIT WINNER: Murals

“Thoughtful vision, beautiful execution, high community impact.“

— Jennifer Seay

Aperture, submitted by Jill Anholt Studio

WINNER: Architectural Art

“Aperture succeeds by making the architecture itself responsive to its surroundings, creating a building that feels alive.“

— Tiffany Thompson, Petrichor Projects

Watertown Exploratory Labs (WELL), submitted by Elkus Manfredi Architects

MERIT WINNER: Architectural Art

“The playful use of color and abstraction creates a dynamic visual experience that brings warmth and humanity to a highly technical environment.“

— Tiffany Thompson, Petrichor Projects

Let me kindly introduce myself. They call me MC Prince Brighton. submitted by Mayer of Munich

MERIT WINNER: Architectural Art

“The detail is incredible.“

— Pascale Sablan, The Third Office

“The sheer craft is extraordinary!“

— Tima Bell, Bell Design Group

“What makes this work remarkable is the depth of its visual language. Its extraordinary density of color, material, and symbolism refuses a singular reading, revealing new relationships and meanings through repeated encounters.“

— Tiffany Thompson, Petrichor Projects

Cross Currents, submitted by Adam Kuby

MERIT WINNER: Architectural Art

“Unique material with a controlled installation creating something“

— Tima Bell

“What makes Cross Currents compelling is its ability to engage the monumentality of infrastructure, transforming an imposing concrete surface into a dynamic field of movement and rhythm.“

— Tiffany Thompson, Petrichor Projects