The International Union of Architects (UIA) has launched  an international ideas competition designed to inspire and empower young architects to take a leading role in participatory urban design. This initiative aligns with the theme of the UN-Habitat World Architecture Day 2024: Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design, underscoring the critical role of young architects in shaping sustainable and inclusive environments for future generations.

Open to architects worldwide born on or after 1 January 1989, the competition encourages innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, particularly those affecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within an urban context. Multidisciplinary teams are welcome to participate, with the stipulation that team leaders must be qualified architects in their country of residence or origin.

An opportunity for young architects

This initiative is a testament to the UIA’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among the next generation of architects. Through their participation, young professionals can make meaningful contributions to the qualitative development of UNESCO sites and inspire the creation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and participate in a Round Table discussion held at Palazzo Zorzi – the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, in Venice. Their work will also be displayed in an exhibition at the commencement of the Biennale Architettura 2025.

Prizes

The competition offers a total prize fund of €15,000, with the following awards:

1st Prize: €5,000 and a certificate

2nd Prize: €4,000 and a certificate

3rd Prize: €3,000 and a certificate

4th Prize: €2,000 and a certificate

5th Prize: €1,000 and a certificate

In addition, the jury may award up to five honourable mentions to submissions of exceptional merit.

Jury

An esteemed international jury has been convened, including:

Manuel Herrero Sanchéz, Architect, Spain

Magdalena Landry, Director UNESCO Office Venice, Poland

Cristóbal Tirado, Architect, Chile,

Doan Than Há, Architect, Vietnam

Omar Degan, Architect, Somalia

Giacomo Ardesio, Architect, Italy, will serve as the alternate juror.

Timeline

The competition will proceed according to the following schedule:

Launch: 7 January 2025

Deadline for questions: 16 January 2025

Deadline for answers: 31 January 2025

Deadline for registration: 7 March 2025

Deadline for submission of entries: 7 March 2025 at 17:00 Paris time

Jury decision: 4 April 2025

Result announcement and Awards Ceremony: 7 May 2025

Vernissage (Exhibition Opening): 7 May 2025

Roundtable discussion: 8 May 2025

Exhibition at the Palazzo Zorzi, Venice: 8 to 15 May 2025

How to Participate

Interested architects and teams can visit the official UIA competition platform to register, ask questions, and submit their entries.

Contact Information

For media inquiries and further details, please contact: competitions@uia-architectes.org.

Find out more and download the competition brief on the UIA website.

Top image in the article courtesy of UIA.

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