This is the inaugural year of The Ordos Prize, the first international architectural prize to emerge from Asia. Unlike other major prizes that recognize an architect for a significant project or body of work, the Ordos Prize is the first to honor emerging young talent and innovative design that engages both the physical and social environment.

The Ordos Prize grows out of the commitment to excellence in architecture by Jiang Yuan Cultural & Creativity Development Co., Ltd. Jiang Yuan first drew the eyes of the world to Ordos by commissioning 100 talented young architects from throughout the world to design 100 villas. The Ordos 100 is one component of a new cultural and creative industry center that Jiang Yuan has under development in this fast rising new city in Mongolia. In the past 30 years, China's unparalleled growth has triggered unprecedented challenges to urbanism and architecture on the global scene. Riding on this tide, The Ordos Prize is destined to confront these questions.