The un Design Award represent an insoluble proposition and a romantic quest. The most interesting aspect lies in the variety of interpretations that different people can bring to it. “un” can stand for “undefined”, reflecting our belief that life is a wilderness, not a track. 

By shedding labels and refusing to be defined, one can be a square with curves or a circle with edges, without overly concerning oneself with others’ standards - the world is your own. “un” can also signify “unique”, as the homogeneity of templates can never satisfy the diverse expectations of the market. Creativity involves creation and innovation, and is a unique expression born of deep reflection. Furthermore, “un” could mean “unlimited”, where the emergence of rules signifies a shift from disorder to order. However, for creators, there should be no limits to the shapes and boundaries of imagination.

Initiated in Washington, D.C., USA, the un Design Award is an annual international design competition launched by the International Competition Association (ICA). Centered around the theme “The Self is the World,” the competition embraces an operational philosophy of being “undefined”. Its aim is to discover and recognize the most influential, outstanding designs and innovative talents worldwide.

Organizer: The International Competition Association (ICA)

Category: Architecture, Interior, Landscape, Lighting, Product, and Graphic Design Category

Eligibility:

This competition is open to architects, designers, developers, manufacturers, owners, teachers and students from colleges and universities around the world. There are two categories: professional group and student group for independent selection. Concept designs, ongoing designs or design works completed within the past 5 years are all eligible to participate.

Register via this link. 

Awards & Prizes

Best of Year, Platinum, Gold, Silver 

All winners will receive the following benefits for free: an electronic certificate, a winner's logo suitable for any scenario, and display their winning works online. The "Best of Year" in six major categories will receive a free winner package, and other winners can customize trophies and certificates at their own expense.

The jury members of the un Design Award:

Silas Chiow: Partner & Chief Strategist of urbangene

Dongwoo Yim: Co-founder & Principal of PRAUD; Assistant professor of Hongik University

Christoph Hesse: Principal & Founder of Christoph Hesse Architects; Associate Professor of Tsinghua University

Winston Yeo: Founder of Office for Good Architecture

Xiaojun Bu: Co-founder and Chief Architect of Atelier Alter Architects

Daniel Gärtner: Founder of ESSENZ

Javad Eiraji: Principal Architect & Designer of Studio Eiraji; Founder & Director of TraMod ACADEMY

Tao Lei: Founder&Chief architect of TAOA

Zhou Yi: CEO of Shenzhen Guanzhu Architectural Culture Development Co. , Ltd.

Carlos Gomez: International Associate of AIA; Architecture Design Director of Gensler Beijing & Shanghai, China

Qingchun Fan: Founding Partner of P&F Design Consultant (Hong Kong) Limited; Founder of Fanchenshi Interior Design (Beijing) Co., Ltd

Qinwen CaiI: Founder of ESSENZ

Schedule

Pre Submission Deadline: November 30, 2024

Early Bird Deadline: February 28, 2025

Regular Deadline: March 31, 2025

Final Deadline: April 30, 2025

Venue: Online

Prices

Pre Submission: Professional: $209, Student:$59

Early Bird: Professional: $239, Student: $79

Regular: Professional: $269, Student: $99

Final: Professional: $299, Student: $119

Top image courtesy of un Design Award.

> via un Design Award

architecture competition