all images © Shelter Global

Shelter is pleased to invite architects, planners, students, engineers, designers, thinkers, NGOs and organizations from all over the world to take part in the second annual Dencity Competition. 

Rapid world growth and urbanization is not allowing cities to adapt and provide for their inhabitants. Towns are quickly growing into cities, and some of the densest places in the world are comprised of makeshift homes, otherwise referred to as slums. Furthermore, already overcrowded cities have to absorb people leaving their rural hometown in hope of job opportunities. There are currently over 1 billion slum dwellers in the world. This number is expected to reach 2 billion by the year 2030. Now, more than ever, we need to play a central role in the development of substandard neighborhoods. Slums effect much more than just housing; they affect almost all living conditions and communities as a whole.

The intent of this competition is twofold: to foster new ideas on how to better handle the growing density of unplanned cities and to spread awareness of this massive problem. Contestants should consider how design can empower communities and allow for a self sufficient future.

There are no restrictions in regards to site, program, or size. Projects can be based on a specific location or a general concept. The object is to limit constraints and give participants the freedom to think in the most creative way possible. Submissions do not need to be created exclusively for this competition, but should not have been submitted elsewhere.

Registration

Architects, students, engineers, designers, thinkers, NGOs and organizations are all invited to participate in this competition. No professional qualifications are necessary. Interdisciplinary teams are also encouraged to join.

Registration Fee is $55/project

Registration opens December 17, 2015

Registration closes March 14, 2016

Late Registration goes until April 25, 2016 at midnight and is $80

Participants may submit multiple projects, but must register each entry

Individual entries are allowed. All teams are limited to 4 people maximum

Register online here

After your registration has been approved, Shelter will send you a registration number. The registration number will be necessary to submit to the competition.

Dates & Deadlines

Late registration opens: March 14, 2016

Submission Deadline: April 25, 2016

Winners Announced: June 2016

Awards

1st place: $3,000

2nd place: $1,500

3rd place: $750

*There will also be 5 special mentions. Winners and special mentions will be published in several international online magazines as well as the Shelter website.

Jury

Andrew Balster, Executive Director for Archeworks
David Cole, Director of Building Trust International
Katie Crepeau, VP, Director of Planning and Urban Design at RTKL
Robert Elkins, Winner of 2015 Dencity Competition, Director of Elkins Architects
Julia King, Architect and Urban Researcher, Emerging Woman Architect of the Year
Geeta Mehta, Professor at Columbia University, co-founder of URBZ
Michael Murphy, Founder of MASS Design Group
Peter Williams,Founder of Archive Global

> via shelterglobal.org/competition/