Campus sidewalk. Render. Image Courtesy of stantec
Stantec, an architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firm, has been selected as the winner of an international competition organized by the State Tax University (STU) to redesign its Main Campus building. The building was partially destroyed in 2022 during the early stages of the war. The international call for redesign proposals was launched in November 2024, free of charge and "open to all design bureaus, architectural firms, and individual architects from every corner of the globe." The goal of the competition was to develop a 21st-century educational building described as a "progressive and comfortable place for learning, research, and student leisure based on innovative educational standards," as stated in the competition announcement.
In a world flooded with millions of new products and designs each year, identifying and sharing those that truly stand out isn't just important—it's essential. That's the motivation behind the A' Design Awards, a platform dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding designs and meticulously crafted products. The outcome? Shining a global spotlight on their work, boosting international visibility, and inspiring the next wave of design innovation that not only pushes the boundaries of creativity but also benefits and advances society. Amidst this vast sea of talent, the award elevates extraordinary designs to the surface.
https://www.archdaily.com/1026319/the-countdown-is-on-a-design-awards-and-competition-last-call-for-entriesEnrique Tovar
The registration period for MICROHOME 2025 Competition is coming to a close. The competition offers a 100,000 EUR prize fund to celebrate cutting-edge, sustainable solutions for compact housing. Sponsored by Kingspan, this global competition invites architects, designers, and creative thinkers to redefine the concept of small-scale living.
Architecture competitions have long been a means for nations to shape their identity, cultural landscapes, and built environment. They provide a platform for international architects to contribute to national projects, often reflecting broader ambitions of modernization and global recognition. In 1976, Bahrain launched potentially the first major architectural competition—a call for designs for a National Cultural Centre, bringing some of the world's leading architects into the Gulf's emerging architectural discourse. Though the winning design by Timo Penttilä was never built, the competition remains a key moment in Bahrain's history, illustrating the challenges of translating external visions into local realities.
Over the past two decades, the Holcim Foundation Awards has committed USD 20M to spotlight transformative projects by architects, designers, and engineers who pioneer sustainable design and construction practices. To capture these stories, the Foundation launched a short film series titled Words withWinners.
486 Moby. Image Courtesy of Finland’s New Museum of Architecture and Design
The Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design Foundation, in partnership with the Real Estate Company ADM, has unveiled the five designs shortlisted for the international competition aimed at offering Helsinki a new venue highlighting architecture history and design. This new museum, to be located in the historic South Harbour, has received global interest, with 624 anonymized submissions reviewed since September 2024. This announcement marks the completion of the competition's first phase, as all successful entries will advance to a second stage, receiving a financial award to refine their concepts.
Unbuilt projects hold untapped potential. They tell stories of creativity, vision, and exploration. The Unbuilt Award 2025 shines a spotlight on these extraordinary designs, creating a platform for ideas that redefine boundaries.
Highlighted submissions. Image Courtesy of Buildner
Buildner is pleased to announce the results of its second annual Architect's Chair Competition, which received excellent ideas from around the globe. As this competition series gains traction and interest, Buildner is excited to announce the launch of the Architect's Chair Edition 3 competition with a registration deadline of January 15, 2025. Buildner has also published its first book on the topic, highlighting key ideas and outstanding projects past editions.
Buildner has announced the results of the Kharkiv Housing Challenge, the first competition in a two-part series focused on rebuilding Ukraine. Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has been deeply affected by the ongoing conflict, and this competition is part of a broader effort to rebuild its housing and public spaces.
From 1977 to 1983, the National Theatre in Prague underwent a major transformation with the opening of Nová Scéna, a modern counterpart to the traditional Neo-Renaissance theatre. For many years, Nová Scéna hosted the renowned Laterna Magika, the world’s first multimedia theatre. This groundbreaking performance style combined classical theatre with computer-generated visual effects, creating a unique dramatic experience. The striking glass building, a symbol of the communist era, became an iconic representation of the political power of the time. In recognition of its significance, this building was part of the Open House Prague festival in 2024—an annual event that invites the public to explore and appreciate the value of architecture.
Buildner, in collaboration with building materials manufacturer Kingspan, has announced the winners of the MICROHOME Kingspan Edition, awarding a total prize fund of 150,000 EUR. This year's competition, now in its seventh edition, attracted professional and student architects and designers from 115 countries.
Buildner has announced the results of its second annual Home of Shadows international architecture ideas competition. This competition series is designed to focus on the vital interplay between light and shadow in creating functional and inviting living spaces, highlighting the importance of natural light in home design, which is essential for creating comfortable, welcoming, and practical environments.
Buildner recently concluded its Iceland Ski Snow Cabin International Design Competition, inviting architects and designers to create a cozy, eco-friendly ski cabin that blends harmoniously with Iceland's stunning landscape. The competition aimed to develop practical, sustainable designs that offer a skier’s retreat, complete with essential amenities such as gear storage and a warm communal space. The challenge was set in the Mývatn region, a picturesque area in northern Iceland, renowned for its breathtaking natural wonders, including Lake Mývatn, the Skútustaðagígar craters, and the geothermal marvel of the Krafla caldera.
First Prize Winner + Buildner Student Award. Image Courtesy of Buildner
Buildner has revealed the results of its Under Bridge Affordable Housing Challenge, the 17th version of its Affordable Housing competition series, which focused on proposing design solutions to address housing challenges in cities around the world. This competition aimed to transform neglected areas under bridges, turning idle or empty spaces in sprawling cities into vibrant and thriving communities.
Third prize, Main category: Agata Gała of blank studio, Poland
Awards and prizes are vital to professional ecosystems in supporting talent and new ideas; for the design industry, competitions encourage creative minds to leap beyond the bounds of practicality to imagine the future, solve problems and build new communities. Expanding impact with international breadth and egalitarian opportunities, competitions often provide space for emerging talents and students, providing support, mentorship and experience to develop their careers and process.
The New South Wales Government is developing a "pattern book" of endorsed housing designs, eligible for fast-tracked approval, to guide the creation of new low-rise housing and mid-rise apartment buildings in Sydney, Australia.
The Morocco Oasis Heritage Retreat competition invites architects and designers from around the world to engage in a unique challenge. This competition, organized by Buildner, focuses on creating a sustainable and culturally sensitive retreat in Morocco. The aim is to design a retreat that harmoniously blends with the natural landscape and respects the rich heritage of the northeastern Moroccan region.