Prizes up to 8.000 € will be awarded to the winners, selected by an international jury panel including Giovanni Polazzi (Archea Associati), Aldo Cingolani (Bertone Design), Eugenia Pronzati (The Blue Corner) and Sergio Pitrone (:Vertumn), among others.

BRIEF

Openair Suites is an international architecture competition that challenges participants to imagine a new model of rural accommodation set within the extraordinary agricultural landscape at the foothills of Mount Etna. The goal is to design two prototype suite modules conceived as part of a coherent architectural system capable of defining a recognisable hospitality identity.

More than a simple accommodation project, Openair Suites explores how contemporary design can shape a slow, immersive and authentic way of inhabiting rural landscapes, transforming small-scale architecture into a powerful tool for experience-driven hospitality.

PRIZES

• 1st Prize: 3.000€
• 2nd Prize: 2.000€
• 3rd Prize: 1.000€
• 5 Golden Mentions: coupon for a free membership
• 10 Honorable Mentions: coupon for a free competition
• 30 Finalists: published on Terraviva channels

GUIDELINES

At the core of the proposal lies the creation of an Architectural Brandbook: a set of timeless and smart architectural guidelines that translate the Openair Suites vision into space. Each suite, cluster and outdoor space should feel unmistakably part of the OAS network, remaining recognisable across different locations and agricultural settings.

Beyond the design of the individual suites and the larger architectural concept, participants are asked to imagine how this system will come to life within the selected site: La Fucina di Vulcano. Already operating as a rural hospitality complex, this location becomes the testing ground for introducing a new cluster of suites with minimal impact on the land. Designers are invited to work on lightweight, reversible structures that elevate the experience of staying in nature while maintaining comfort, intimacy and spatial quality.

REQUESTED MATERIAL

One A3 Booklet (horizontal – max 30 pages) and one A1 Panel (59,4 x 84,1 cm – horizontal).

JURY

• Giovanni Polazzi [Firenze, Italy] | Archea Associati
• Aldo Cingolani [Milan, Italy] | Bertone Design
• Eugenia Pronzati [Milan, Italy] | Dropshot / The Blue Corner
• Sergio Redaelli [Milan, Italy] | Crippaconcept
• Sergio Pitrone [Milan, Italy] | Vertumn
• Gloria Pierluigi [Modena, Italy] | Fuorirotta
• Francesco Salvaggio [Florence, Italy] | myGlamping.it
• Giorgia Dallasio [Milan, Italy] | Sustainable Brand Platform

SCHEDULE

• Competition Opening: January 20th
• 69 € “Early” Registrations: January 20th – March 6th
• 99 € “Standard” Registrations: March 6th – March 27th
• 129 € “Late” Registrations: March 27th – April 10th
• Submission Deadline: April 10th, 2026
• Winners Announcement: May 11th, 2026

The post OPENAIR SUITES: A Rural Hospitality Experience appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

BRIEF
Participants are invited to explore how temporary, lightweight interventions can act as powerful tools for testing ideas, responding to local conditions and rethinking the future of public space. Like urban acupuncture, these precise and targeted actions release energy within the urban fabric, triggering broader transformations that extend beyond their physical footprint.
Tactical Urbanism NOW! 2026 encourages designers to work with overlooked, underused or contested urban spaces – from traffic-dominated streets and residual plots to overheated plazas, forgotten pathways and fragmented public areas.

PRIZES
• 1st Prize: 5.000 $
• 2nd Prize: 2.000 $
• 3rd Prize: 1.000 $
• 5 Golden Mentions: coupon for a free membership
• 10 Honorable Mentions: coupon for a free competition
• 30 Finalists: published on Terraviva channels

GUIDELINES
Participants may select any location worldwide as the setting for their tactical project, with the aim of pushing boundaries and investigating unconventional urban opportunities grounded in everyday life.
By embracing adaptable systems, low-cost materials and participatory approaches, projects should demonstrate how tactical design can generate immediate impact while informing long-term transformation.
Rather than fixed solutions, this competition looks for proposals conceived as prototypes: flexible, testable and rooted in real urban life. Whether addressing climate stress, reclaiming space for people or strengthening community ties, the goal is to show how small-scale interventions can unlock new possibilities and reshape the urban experience over time.

REQUESTED MATERIAL
Two A1 panels (59,4 x 84,1 cm – horizontal) and a brief text describing the proposal (250-500 words).

JURY
• Maryam Mahvash [Vancouver, Canada] | Emily Carr University of Art and Design
• Mark Balzar [Vienna, Austria] | Open Fields
• Cecilia Galimberti [Rosario, Argentina] | FAPyD- UNR
• Camilo Palma [Los Lagos, Chile] | Abarca Palma arquitectos
• Andrea Molina Cuadro [Los Angeles, USA] | Estudio Latente
• Samuel Padilla Llano [Bogotá, Colombia] | CUC Universidad de la Costa
• Lisbet Ahon Vasquez [Rome, Italy] | Sapienza Universitá di Roma
• Diogo Lopez Texeira [Porto, Portugal] | Hori-zonte

SCHEDULE
• Competition Opening: January 7th
• 59 € “Early” Registrations: Jan 7th – Jun 5th
• 89 € “Standard” Registrations: Jun 5th – Sept 25th
• 129 € “Late” Registrations: Sept 25th – Oct 30th
• Submission Deadline: October 30th
• Winners Announcement: November 30th

The post TACTICAL URBANISM NOW! 2026 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Award Vision Under the vision of “Design Beyond East and West,” DBEW pursues harmonious design that integrates Eastern and Western values for a sustainable future society.

Award Mission ‘DBEW Award 2026’ is an international design award established to present future directions for global design education and to discover creative talents who harmoniously integrate Eastern and Western values in the AI age.

What Makes DBEW Award Unique ‘DBEW Award 2026’ evaluates not only completed design outcomes but also the excellence of works born from creative educational processes. By defining education and learning as a form of design collaboration, this is the first international design award to discover talents equipped with ‘sustainable future thinking, cultural balance and diversity, creative experimental spirit, and global design leadership,’ while officially recognizing the creative leadership of educators demonstrated throughout this collaborative process.

Key Information

Eligibility:

– Design students (undergraduate/graduate) or graduates
– Project Timeline: Works created after January 2024
– Teams may consist of students and educators (professors or instructors) – No limit on team size
– Entry Fee: USD 23

Design Fields (3 Categories):

1. Spatial & Architecture Design (Interior, Architecture, Urban, Public)
2. Product & Fashion Design (Product, Furniture, Fashion)
3. Visual & Communication Design & Service Design (AI, Digital Media, Branding, Service)

Awards & Recognition:

• Total Prize Fund: Over USD 25,000
• Gold Prize: USD 10,000 + Certificate (Minimum 1 awardee)
• Silver Prize: USD 3,000 + Certificate (Minimum 3 awardees)
• Bronze Prize: USD 1,000 + Certificate (Minimum 6 awardees)
• Honorable Mention: Certificate (Minimum 30 awardees)
• Winning works will be exhibited at Milan Design Week 2026
• Selected works will be featured in DBEW publications

Timeline

o Application Period: January 1 – March 15, 2026
o Evaluation Period: March 16 – 25, 2026
o Final Results Announcement: Late March, 2026
o Award Ceremony: April 21, 2026, Milan Design Week (ADI Design Museum)
o Exhibition: October 2026, Seoul Design Week (DDP Seoul)

World-Class Jury Panel
The award will be assessed through a two-stage evaluation process conducted by a distinguished panel of internationally renowned leaders in the field of design:

Jury Members:
– Paola Antonelli
(Senior Curator, Museum of Modern Art, USA)
– John Thackara
(Author, Curator, Educator, UK-France)
– Stefano Giovannoni
(Designer, Giovannoni Design, Italy)
– Byoung Soo Cho
(Architect, BCHO Architects, Korea)
– Angela Rui
(Head of MA Programs, Istituto Europeo di Design, Italy)
– Daniel Libeskind
(Architect, Studio Libeskind, Poland-USA)
– Zhou Yanyang

(Professor, Tsinghua University, China)
– Lou Yongqi
(President of Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Former Dean, College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, China)
– Jin Kuramoto
(Product Designer, Jin Kuramoto Studio, Japan)

Evaluation Criteria
Specific Evaluation Points:

• Originality presenting a new perspective
• Innovation through convergent and interdisciplinary thinking
• Relevance to the AI era
• Aesthetic completeness and formal refinement
• Sustainability value and social responsibility
• Clarity of presentation and communication

Global Partnership

Co-organizers:

– ADI Design Museum (Compasso d’Oro, Milan)
– Kookmin University (Seoul)

Organization Partners:

– Embassy of Korea in Italy
– Italian Cultural Institute Seoul
– Korean Cultural Center in Italy
– UNESCO Creative Cities Network
– CUMULUS (International Design University Network)
– DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)
– Asia Culture Center
– Korean Federation of Design Association

Media Partners:

– DESIGNBOOM
– DOMUS Magazine

– Maekyung Media Group
– Designhouse
– Design Jungle

Inquiry & Submission
Website: www.dbewaward.com
Email: info@dbewaward.com
Instagram: @dbew.award

Organizing Institutions:
ADI Design Museum
P.za Compasso d’Oro, 1, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
www.adidesignmuseum.org

Kookmin University
77 Jeongneung-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02707, Korea
www.kookmin.ac.kr

About DBEW
DBEW (Design Beyond East and West) holds its annual forum and exhibition at the ADI Design Museum to reflect the design values and aesthetics of Asian culture within the global design movement. Since 2023, DBEW has been building a platform for dialogue between Eastern and Western design cultures through forums in Milan and Seoul, exhibitions, and academic exchanges.

The post DBEW Award 2026 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Through the acknowledgment of existing trends that integrate with diverse insights, the London Design Awards reformulates the perspectives of the world towards this unique language, synchronising the great metropolis of London alongside concepts that symbolise excellence.

Categories:
The London Design Awards categories include Product Design, Architectural Design, Interior Design, Packaging Design, Conceptual Design, User Interface Design (UI), User Experience Design (UX), Communication Design, Service Design, Landscape Design, Fashion Design, and its latest Video category.

Eligibility:
The London Design Awards accepts entries from architects, interior designers, product designers, graphic designers, fashion designers, UX / UI designers and any designers of all background to submit their creative works, whether they are companies, team / departments, innovators, manufacturers, suppliers, freelancers, hobbyists or students.

Submission Requirement:
Entries must be produced within the last FIVE (5) calendar years up through the final deadline.
All entries must be submitted for judging exactly as published or implemented and may not be modified for the competition. The London Design Awards may request proof of initial production and/or publication date.
The awards reserve the right to re-categorise incorrectly classified entries.
Judges reserve the right to withhold an award in a category if submissions do not meet their expectations.

Entry Brief:
We recommend each synopsis to be kept at approximately 350 words. Do utilise this section to elaborate on the piece as well as providing the jury with a better understanding of your subject. A written translation or adaptation must accompany non-English entries.

Image Submission:

The submissions should be saved in a flattened JPEG or JPG format. (keep them under 4MB, 1,200px wide is preferable, 300dpi, RGB).

Audio/Video Submission:

Upload video/audio to Vimeo/YouTube/Youku or any other related platforms.
Paste the URL link into the URL field.

Entries with audio/videos must be submitted with a direct URL that will take judges directly to the work. If it is password-protected, you must provide a username and password for judging purposes. Web Videos entered are judged solely on the content provided. Upload a PDF brief if explanation is required before evaluations of the work.

2026 Entry Deadline & Fees:
Early Bird Deadline: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 29, 2026 ($209)
Regular Deadline: Jan 30, 2026 – Mar 5, 2026 ($219)
Final Deadline: Mar 6, 2026 – Apr 2, 2026 ($239)
Final Extension Deadline: Apr 3, 2026 – May 8, 2026 ($249)
Last Minute Deadline: May 9, 2026 – Jun 5, 2026 ($269)

Winning Level:
There are FOUR (4) levels of achievement in the competition:

Design of the Year
(Highest scoring entry from each category will be recognised as the Design of the Year).
Platinum Winner (85-100 points)
Gold Winner (70-84 points)
Silver Winner (50-69 points)

Judging:
Judging is blind. All entrant information is removed from entries to prevent bias/conflict of interest.

The prestige of the London Design Awards competition relies in large part on the high calibre of the juries that convene each year to review submissions. London Design Awards has made a special effort to find a suitable panel of judges whose works exemplify the qualities of top designs. The jury panel comprises experienced professionals in their field and industry, including creative designers and art directors from international agencies, architects, interior designers, product designers, educators, marketers or business owners, and exemplify diversity in professional experience, geography, gender, and ethnicity. All judges are selected based on experience, availability and credibility to their respective industry.

Evaluation Criteria:
Individual criteria differ by category, but the emphasis is on the overall quality of the entry: the merits of the entry, relative to the judges’ experience and the claims in other entries, as well as the quality of the entry’s narrative itself.

Judges score on a scale of 1-100, based on the below criteria:

Creativity / Originality / Concept / Idea
Content / Brief / Objective / Planning / Execution
Innovation / Technology
Quality / Functionality / Sustainability
Overall Impression / Wow! Factor / Memorable

Results Announcement:
All winners of 2026 will be announced on 26 June 2026 via London Design Awards official page. All registered participants can then login to see the winning results.

Prizes:
The Design of the Year winners receive a complimentary limited-edition LITO trophy and professionally designed certificate.
One professionally designed certificate commemorating the winning entry, which includes entry title, entering company/winners’ name and category. Decal will be affixed indicating the level of win.
Top tier (Platinum and Gold) winners will be featured on London Design Awards site’s Gallery, where professionals can view your work.
A press release template sent to major industry outlets, celebrating your win.
Professionally designed logos for use on websites, in email signatures, etc.
In addition to the complimentary certificates, Platinum, Gold, and Silver winners may purchase extraordinary LITO statuettes, and/or additional customised certificates.
Platinum and Gold winners will get featured by the awards on social media or our media partner on Muse.World’s website.

The 2026 London Design Awards is calling for entries now. Join us today and showcase the excellence of your design to the world!

Enter Now: https://thelondondesignawards.com/

The post 2026 London Design Awards appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Now in its 8th edition, the Museum of Emotions competition continues this annual series by challenging participants to use architecture as a tool for emotional expression. Designers are asked to create a museum consisting of two distinct halls that evoke contrasting emotional states—one inducing negative emotions and the other positive.

Participants are free to choose which emotions their designs provoke, whether fear, anger, anxiety, love, happiness, laughter, or others. The aim of the Museum of Emotions is to explore how architecture alone can generate emotional responses through spatial scale, sequence and movement, colour, lighting, and materiality.
As an ideas competition, participants may select any site—real or imaginary—as well as define the size of their proposal.

Museum of Emotions is one of Buildner’s silent competitions, requiring participants to communicate their ideas without the use of text. All concepts and design intentions must be conveyed exclusively through visual representation.

PRIZES

3 winning proposals, 1 special award recipient and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Buildner will award a total of 10,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:

1st Prize – 5,000 €
2nd Prize – 3,000 €
3rd Prize – 1,000 €
+ 6 honourable mentions

Buildner Student Award – 1,000 €

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Early Bird Registration: December 16 – February 25
Advance Registration: February 26 – April 23
Last Minute Registration: April 24 – June 18

Final registration deadline: June 18, 2026
Closing date for submission: July 20, 2026 (23:59 LONDON TIME)
Announcement of the winners: September 29, 2026

More: https://architecturecompetitions.com/museumofemotions8/

The post Museum of Emotions #8 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

BRIEF
Nestled in the heart of Milanino’s Garden City, the historic Water Tower stands as one of the district’s most recognisable landmarks: currently marked by decades of decay, yet rich with architectural and cultural potential. The Water Tower competition invites participants to reimagine this structure as a contemporary cultural hub, transforming it into a place that is alive, accessible and used daily by people of all generations.
The challenge calls for a complete renovation of the tower’s interior and exterior spaces: from flexible cultural rooms, coworking areas and exhibition zones to terraces, micro-plazas and outdoor gathering spaces that complement the building’s new functions.

PRIZES
• 1st Prize: 8.000€
• 2nd Prize: 4.000€
• 3rd Prize: 2.000€
• 5 Golden Mentions: coupon for a free membership
• 10 Honorable Mentions: coupon for a free competition
• 30 Finalists: published on Terraviva channels

GUIDELINES
The goal is to envision a project that can reclaim the centrality the building had in the past, seeking proposals that imagine it once again alive, accessible and used daily by people of all generations.
How could a vertical structure of this kind serve as a point of reference for the entire neighbourhood, hosting events, creative activities and community initiatives throughout the year?
The aim is not merely to restore an abandoned building, but to give it a new identity – one that respects its historical value while embracing experimentation, innovation and contemporary living. Participants are invited to propose original concepts capable of turning Milanino’s Water Tower into an architectural catalyst for culture, creativity and social connection.

REQUESTED MATERIAL
Two A1 panels (59,4 x 84,1 cm – horizontal) and a brief text describing the proposal (250-500 words).

JURY
• Lidia Arduino (Cusano Milanino, Italy) | Comune di Cusano Milanino
• Luciano Crespi (Milan, Italy) | Politecnico di Milano
• Lula Ferrari (Milan, Italy) | Lula Ferrari Studio
• Paolo Cesaretti (Florence/Milan, Italy) | Paolo Cesaretti Arch.
• Matteo Scaltritti (Gallarate, Italy) | Semarchitettura
• Luana La Martina (Rotterdam, Netherlands) | MVRDV
• Michele Cassino (Cuneo, Italy) | Studio 3Mark
• Letizia Melzi (Milan, Italy) | Tectoo

SCHEDULE
• Competition Opening: December 12th
• 89 € “Early” Registrations: Dec 12th – Feb 27th
• 109 € “Standard” Registrations: Feb 27th – Apr 10th
• 139 € “Late” Registrations: Apr 10th – April 30th
• Submission Deadline: April 30th, 2026
• Winners Announcement: June 1st, 2026

The post THE WATER TOWER appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Our global platform celebrates designers, architects, brands, and design agencies from around the world, providing a stage to showcase their creations to an audience that values significant, transformative design. In this esteemed arena, every piece of work has the potential for recognition, and every visionary designer has the opportunity to become a leading figure in the industry.

2026 Theme:
The Rise of Modern Design
The Rome Design Awards champions the spirit of the Renaissance, dedicated to the modern creatives who are sculpting visionary works, just as the virtuosos of the past once did.

Celebrating the art of transformation, the competition recognises designers who pioneer new techniques and set new standards of excellence. This theme represents the journey of design from its classical roots to the present, spotlighting those who lead the charge in redefining the industry.

Step into the spotlight and let your designs become icons of innovation and elegance. Redefine the boundaries of art and design with each creative endeavour, and join us in advancing the rise of modern design.

Categories:
Rome Design Awards is divided into seven different categories, including Architectural Design, Furniture Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Packaging Design, Lighting Design, and Student Design.

Eligibility:
The Rome Design Awards accepts entries from architects, interior designers, product designers, packaging designers, lighting designers, furniture designers, artists, design agencies, students, and any designers of all background to submit their creative works, whether they are companies, team / departments, innovators, manufacturers, suppliers, freelancers, hobbyists or students.

Submission Requirements:
Entries must be produced within the last FIVE (5) calendar years up through the final deadline.
All entries must be submitted for judging exactly as published or implemented and may not be modified for the competition. The Rome Design Awards may request proof of initial production and/or publication date.
The award reserves the right to re-categorise incorrectly classified entries.
Judges reserve the right to withhold an award in a category if submissions do not meet their expectations.

Entry Brief:
It is recommended that you keep your synopsis to approximately 350 words. We suggest you utilise this section of your entry to elaborate on the piece as well as the creativity and originality of your idea. The brief should strengthen your entry, as well as providing the jury a better understanding of your project. A written translation or adaptation must accompany non-English entries.

Image Submission:
* The submissions should be saved in a flattened JPEG or JPG format. (keep them under 4MB, 1,200px wide is preferable, 300dpi, RGB).

2026 Entry Deadline & Fees:
Early Bird Deadline: 12 Dec 2025 – 26 Jan 2026 ($209)
Regular Deadline: 27 Jan 2026 – 27 Feb 2026 ($219)
Final Deadline: 28 Feb 2026 – 30 Mar 2026 ($239)
Final Extension Deadline: 31 Mar 2026 – 28 Apr 2026 ($249)
Last Minute Deadline: 29 Apr 2026 – 28 May 2026 ($269)

Winning Levels:
There are FOUR (4) levels of achievement in the competition:

Rome Design of the Year
(Only ONE highest score point from each category will be recognised)
Platinum Winner (85-100 points)
Gold Winner (70-84 points)
Silver Winner (50-69 points)
The number of awards presented by Rome Design Awards is determined by the number of submissions in a given category, the scoring range and the number of tie scores.

Judging:
Judging is blind. All entrant information is removed from entries to prevent bias/conflict of interest.

Rome Design Awards’ judging process is designed to be impartial and free from outside influences by withholding both the names of the judges on its panel as well as the contestant’s names throughout the entire evaluation process. This anonymity shelters all involved from any vested interest which may attempt to influence the judges’ opinions or the judging process.

Evaluation Criteria:
Judges score on a scale of 1-100, based on the below criteria:

Creativity / Concept / Idea
Content / Brief / Objective / Planning / Execution
Visual / Design
Innovation / Functionality / Effectiveness
Impact / Memorability
The Rome Design Awards and International Awards Associate Inc’s decision are final in its sole discretion and binding in relation to all matters relating to competitions and may not be subject to any discussions or correspondence.

Results Announcement:
All winners of 2026 will be officially announced on 12 June 2026 via the Rome Design Awards official page.

Prizes:
The Designs of the Year receive a complimentary Rome Design Awards Statuette and an exclusive certificate.
One professionally designed certificate commemorating the winning entry, which includes entry title, entering company/winners’ name and category. Decal will be affixed indicating the level of win.
All winners will be featured on Rome Design Awards site’s Gallery, where professionals can view your work.
A press release template sent to major industry outlets, celebrating your win.
Professionally designed logos for use on websites, in email signatures, etc.
In addition to the complimentary certificates, Platinum, Gold, and Silver winners may purchase extraordinary Rome Design Awards statuettes, and/or additional customised certificates.
Platinum and Gold winners will get featured (randomly selected) on social media or our media partner on Muse.World’s website.

2026 Rome Design Awards is calling for entries now. Seize this moment of glory with designs that are bold, innovative, and deeply influential — designs that bridge past inspirations with future possibilities.

The post 2026 Rome Design Awards appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The post Kaira Looro Architecture Competition – 2026’s Edition appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Participants must design a structure that meets the requirements outlined in these guidelines regarding time, cost, and characteristics, while also demonstrating the ability to provoke and engage the public—an essential criterion for evaluation.

Objectives
• To invite participants worldwide to propose ideas for the design and construction of a public pavilion that is recyclable or reusable, in compliance with the requirements of these guidelines.
• To create a reference space within the MEXTRÓPOLI Architecture and City Festival, a venue for reflection and dialogue about architecture and the urban environment.

Site
The MEXTRÓPOLI Pavilion 2026 will be installed in one of two emblematic public spaces within Mexico City’s Historic Center: the Alameda Central or the Plaza Manuel Tolsá, depending on the festival’s logistical and curatorial decisions.

Submission Requirements
Participants must submit a single digital image containing all the necessary information for understanding the proposal. The image must include:
– Site plan, floor plans, and sections at appropriate scales.
– Diagrams, sketches, collages, or any freehand or digital representation that conveys the project concept.
– Construction details at appropriate scales.
– A descriptive text of up to 250 words in either Spanish or English.
The file must be horizontal (90 cm x 60 cm), 72 DPI, JPG format, and not exceed 5 MB. The filename must match the registration code assigned during sign-up: [ARQ-28C-XXXX].
Only submissions uploaded through the competition system within the specified deadlines will be accepted.

Awards
First Prize: $ 100,000.00 MXN
– Construction of the MEXTRÓPOLI Pavilion 2026*
– Free access to MEXTRÓPOLI for up to two team members
– A set of up to ten Arquine books

Second Prize: $ 50,000.00 MXN
– Free access to MEXTRÓPOLI for up to two team members
– A set of up to ten Arquine books

Third Prize: $ 25,000.00 MXN
– Free access to MEXTRÓPOLI for up to two team members
– A set of up to ten Arquine books

Honorable Mention
– The jury may grant as many mentions as it deems appropriate

Competition Calendar
2025 November 17 – Opening of registration
2026 February 23 – End of inquiry period
2026 March 2 – Publication of FAQs
2026 April 17 – End of registration period
2026 April 20 – Submission deadline
2026 April 23 – Jury deliberation
2026 April 27 – Announcement of results
2026 May – Beginning of executive development
2026 September – Pavilion installation and opening

The post Arquine Competition No.28 Mextropoli Pavilion 2026 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Participants are asked to design small, reversible pavilions that harvest and store rainwater while offering comfort and delight to the public. Each “rain room” should collect at least five cubic meters of water per storm and direct it to where it is most needed — neighborhood trees, gardens, or non-potable fountains. Beyond its technical function, each pavilion must celebrate the sensory and social dimensions of rain: its sound, reflection, mist, and movement through space. Architecture here becomes a medium between people and climate — something that makes weather visible, touchable, and communal.

There is no fixed site. Designers may choose any location within Rome that supports their narrative — from a courtyard or market edge to a quiet corner of a piazza. Proposals may also take the form of modular systems that can be installed in multiple settings, adapting to different scales and communities. The focus is not on monumental construction but on light, reversible, and context-aware design — interventions that respect Rome’s historic layers while addressing its environmental future.

The expected outcome is a collection of ideas that show how design can turn necessity into beauty. The most successful proposals will combine environmental logic with emotional resonance — demonstrating that architecture can teach, cool, and inspire all at once. Rome Rain Rooms seeks visions that turn the storm into a civic moment, reminding the city that resilience, generosity, and imagination can still flow together.

PRIZES

3 winning proposals, 2 special award recipients and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Buildner will award a total of 10,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:

1st Prize – 5,000 €
2nd Prize – 2,500 €
3rd Prize – 1,000 €
+ 6 honourable mentions

Buildner Student Award – 1,000 €
Buildner Sustainability Award – 500 €

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Early Bird Registration: November 13 – January 14
Advance Registration: January 15 – March 12
Last Minute Registration: March 13 – May 28

Final registration deadline: May 28, 2026
Closing date for submission: June 29, 2026 (London Time 23:59)
Announcement of the winners: September 15, 2026

More: https://architecturecompetitions.com/romerainrooms

The post Rome Rain Rooms appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.