Table of Contents Introduction Key Considerations for Residential Design Sustainable Design Principles Technological Integration Community & Social Impact Emerging Trends & Styles Participating in Competitions Resources Conclusion Introduction {#introduction} Residential…
Table of Contents Introduction The Essence of Architectural Competitions Beyond the Brief: Conceptual Exploration The Role of Innovation and Sustainability Digital Tools and Presentation Real-World Impact and Legacy Final Thoughts…
The stair is one of the most elemental and enduring components of architecture. It is a structure in motion—a connector of levels, a sculptural form, a spatial sequence, and a symbol of ascent, descent, and transition. It guides the body and engages the mind. It is at once practical and poetic.
From ancient stone steps carved into cliffs to futuristic floating staircases in contemporary design, the stair has served far more than a functional role. It punctuates the rhythm of space, dictates circulation, and often becomes a central visual and emotional anchor in architectural composition. It holds narrative power—inviting pause, procession, and perception.
This competition invites architects, designers, and creative thinkers to explore the stair as a pure expression of architectural language. Participants are asked to reflect on its symbolism, geometry, movement, and potential—free from constraints of program, material, or scale. There are no limitations on style, function, context, or dimension. Whether monumental or minimal, abstract or inhabitable, real or speculative—what matters is the clarity and creativity of the concept.
We are not looking for compliance with regulations or typical stair design solutions. Instead, this is a conceptual exploration of an essential architectural element, reimagined as a means of expressing your unique design philosophy. How can a stair tell a story? How can it embody spatial ideas, emotions, ideologies, or atmospheres? How can it become a metaphor, a movement, a manifesto?
Take a step and make a statement! The stair is your subject—but your imagination defines its boundaries. Celebrate it. Deconstruct it. Transform it.
PRIZES
3 winning proposals, one special award recipient and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Buildner will award a total of 7,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:
1st Prize – 3,500 €
2nd Prize – 1,500 €
3rd Prize – 1,000 €
+ 6 honourable mentions
Buildner Student Award – 1, 000 €
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
Early Bird Registration: April 24 – May 8
Advance Registration: May 9 – May 22
Last Minute Registration: May 23 – June 5
Final registration deadline: June 5, 2025
Closing date for submission: July 14, 2025 (23:59 London Time)
Announcement of the winners: September 16, 2025
Table of Contents Introduction Understanding the Competition Brief Conceptual Development & Design Strategy Visual Communication & Presentation Technical Considerations & Software Proficiency The Role of Research & Inspiration Seeking Expert…
Submissions for the prestigious AIA Chicago 2025 Awards program are now open! This is your opportunity to showcase your firm’s exceptional work and contribute to Chicago’s legacy of architectural excellence.
MORE INFORMATION: AIAChicago.org/Awards
Award Categories open for Submission:
▪️ Design Excellence Awards – Celebrating outstanding work across project sizes (Architecture: XS-XL and Interior Architecture: S-L)
▪️ REIMAGINED FOR 2025: Decarbonization Award – Recognizing projects that go beyond basic energy reduction and demonstrate leadership in sustainable design
▪️ BACK IN 2025: Unbuilt Award – Celebrating innovative conceptual projects that address social, cultural, environmental, and technological challenges
▪️ People’s Choice Awards – Selected by public voting from Design Excellence Awards finalists
▪️ Lifetime Achievement Award – Honoring architects who have made enduring contributions to Chicago’s built environment
▪️ Roberta Feldman Architecture for Social Justice Award – Recognizing excellence in projects guided by the belief that quality architecture is a human right ($2,500 prize)
▪️ Dubin Family Young Architect Award – Celebrating emerging talent and significant contributions from young architects ($2,000 prize)
Important Details:
Submission Deadline: Friday, June 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central
Submission Fees: AIA Members (11+ employees): $225
AIA Members (10 or fewer employees): $180 (20% discount)
Social Justice & Young Architect Awards: FREE
Don’t miss this opportunity to have your work recognized and celebrated within our vibrant architectural community!
FRAME Awards is an international competition and awards programme that celebrates and recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of interior design and product design. Organized by FRAME, FRAME Awards offers a platform for designers, architects, companies, manufacturers and creative professionals to showcase their innovative work and push the boundaries of design.
Established with the aim of honouring excellence and fostering dialogue, FRAME Awards showcases the most remarkable and forward-thinking designs across various categories, including retail, hospitality, work, living, shows, institutions and product design including furniture, finishes, lighting and more. The awards programme seeks to highlight designs that demonstrate their creativity, functionality, innovation, and sustainability.
What sets FRAME Awards apart is its deep-dyed scoring process. A monthly panel of international experts, including leading architects, designers and industry professionals, carefully assess each submission. Along with the yearly awards, we announce the five top-scored projects and products regardless of their category eachmonth.
Beyond recognition and accolades, FRAME Awards provides a platform for designers to connect, collaborate and gain exposure on a global scale. The awards programme generates valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and inspiration, fostering a vibrant and dynamic design community.
By championing innovation, creativity and excellence in design, FRAME Awards continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of interior design and product design. It serves as a catalyst for driving industry progress, encouraging designers to create transformative spaces and products that shape our built environment and enhance the human experience.
Table of Contents Introduction The Context of Hong Kong Architecture Key Considerations for Architectural Competitions Sustainability Density and Space Optimization Cultural Sensitivity Technological Innovation Examples of Architectural Competitions and Projects…
In this article, we continue our series on Competitions.archi, presenting a collection of articles on different architectural competitions. Today, we will be featuring the winner of the Data Landscape Competition – an article from Architecture Competitions Yearbook 2023. ____________________________________________________________________ We are three young architects from China who met at the Brunswick University of Technology in
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Terraviva launches UNESCO ANCIENT THEATRE, a new architecture competition which invites participants to design a unique space where past, present and future merge through architectural and urban continuity… Prizes up to 10.000 € will be awarded to the winners selected by an international jury panel composed, among others, by Kyriakos Chatziparaskevas (Heatherwick Studio), René Daniels
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There are several tools you can use as a young architect to make yourself known in the design business: a resume of your personal educational background and working experience, the connections you have built with other affirmed professionals, and some evidence of your ability to work in team are very incisive factors in establishing your
The post How to write a good portfolio: 3 tips by Yacademy appeared first on Competitions.archi.
Someone from just registered!
