The primary aim of this international architectural competition is to embrace the traditional building techniques of 'Düğmeli Evler' (Buttoned Houses) of Antalya, Turkey. This competition seeks to integrate the cultural heritage of this unique construction method into contemporary architectural practice, fostering a deeper understanding of vernacular architecture among future architects. Participants will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the buttoned construction system, proposing innovative small-scale designs that blend traditional techniques with contemporary architectural needs and approaches. The competition aims to highlight the sustainability, efficiency, and cultural significance of these traditional practices, encouraging their preservation and adaptation in current and future projects.

This competition is an integral part of the INTBAU Grassroots programme and aims to embrace traditional construction techniques while fostering contemporary architectural innovations. The INTBAU Grassroot project “Sustainable Building Techniques: A Scholarly Exploration of Historical Practices” seeks to explore the traditional buttoned house construction method and reinterpret it for contemporary use. Initially, participants will engage in a design competition that challenges them to reinterpret the buttoned construction technique. The winning designs will then be constructed, bringing the theoretical concepts to life in a tangible, real-world project. This competition not only celebrates cultural heritage but also actively contributes to its preservation and adaptation for future generations.

The INTBAU project is aligned with UIA Sustainable Development Goals. The competition process supports “Goal 4: Quality Education” by enabling participants to gain in-depth knowledge of sustainable building techniques, merging traditional and contemporary architectural practices, and providing them with the opportunity to apply this knowledge in the field, thereby contributing to their professional development. The project also supports Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by integrating the traditional construction technique of the Buttoned Houses, with contemporary needs, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability while preserving the cultural heritage of cities. By participating in INTBAU’s project, participants gain experience in sustainable architectural design and implementation, allowing them to use this knowledge and experience in their future projects, thus supporting both Goal 4 and Goal 11.

Project site

The competition project site will be located on the campus of Antalya Bilim University. Detailed information, including location data, aerial drone videos, photographs, and a dwg file site plan is provided in the attachments. Participants are encouraged to review these materials thoroughly to gain a comprehensive understanding of the site. This will enable them to develop contextually appropriate and innovative designs that align with the competition’s objectives.

Terms of Participation

The official language of the competition is English 

The type of competition is a project competition. 

The competition is open to participants from all countries. 

The competition is open to all undergraduates enrolled in a recognized architecture program at an institution/ faculty worldwide.

Individual and team submissions are allowed. Teams can include a maximum of three members. 

All participants must provide proof of student status (e.g., student certificate/ transcript) in registration. 

Registration on the website is mandatory and there is no registration fee. 

Submissions must be original work and not previously published or entered in other competitions. 

All entries must adhere to the competition brief and submission guidelines provided on the competition website. 

Anyone working for the supported INTBAU project, Technical Consultant, jury member, or the secretariat, or anyone closely related to them, and anyone involved in organizing the competition, cannot participate in the competition or help competitors. 

To ensure impartial judging, all submissions must be anonymous. Participants must not include their names, affiliations, or any identifying marks on any part of their submission materials. Any breach of anonymity will result in disqualification.

Participants must ensure that their submissions do not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights.

Participants found to be engaging in plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty will be disqualified and reported to their respective institutions.

Jury members: 

Advisory Jury

Kemal Reha Kavas (Prof. Dr. Akdeniz University)

Ali Olgu Ceylan (MSc. Architect, Akdeniz Association of Licensed Architects)

Funda Alyanak Kaya (MSc. Architect, Antalya Bilim University

Jury

Ayşen Ciravoglu (Head of the Jury) (Prof. Dr. Yıldız Technical University)

Ömer Selçuk Baz (Architect, Yalın Architecture)

Biś Lisowski (Architect, Association of Polish Architects)

Antonio Riverso (Prof., International Academy of Architecture)

Alper Gülle (MSc. Architect, Antalya Bilim University

Alternate Jury Members

Sadık Gökhan Ekinci (Dr. Architect, Akdeniz University)

Ekrem Bahadır Çalışkan (Asst. Prof.Dr., Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University)

Rapporteurs

Merve Artkan (MSc. Architect, Antalya Bilim University)

Serim Aygen Kiştin (MSc. Architect, Antalya Bilim University)

Zeynep Ceren Durgut (MSc. Architect, Antalya Bilim University)

Schedule

Announcement: 12 December 2024

Deadline for Questions: 15 January 2025

Deadline for Answers to the Questions: 22 January 2025

Deadline Submission of Projects: 14 March 2025

Announcement of the Results: 28 March 2025

Exhibition of the Projects: will be announced

Award Ceremony: will be announced

Construction: will be announced

Questions and Answers: The answers to all questions will be published in a single document on the dates established in the competition calendar. The competition organizer reserves the right to consolidate and answer similar inquiries together. During the Q&A period, the competition organizers may post any inquiries and follow-up questions they deem appropriate in the designated section of the website. The formulation of each question will be anonymous and will not include any data that could identify the applicant. Questions that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted, published, or answered.

Prizes and Mentions

First prize: 1200 EURO

Second prize: 800 EURO

Third prize: 400 EURO

Mentions: 3 x 200 EURO

** Taxes are excluded Awarded projects will be published on the website of the competition and INTBAU Grassroots Projects. Awards will be paid within one month after the announcement.

Download the competition brief from here. Register to the competition via this link. 

Top image in the article courtesy of Antalya Bilişim Universitesi.

> via Antalya Bilişim Universitesi

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