Archstorming launches an international competition to design resilient schools after natural disasters in Nepal.

In 2024, Nepal experienced one of the most devastating monsoon seasons in its history. The catastrophic torrential rains caused severe floods and landslides, destroying numerous homes, infrastructure, and over 140 schools, leaving thousands of children without a safe place to study.

Their consequences have been almost as devastating as the 2015 earthquake, yet they have gone largely unnoticed, and the international response has been much weaker. It is time to support Nepal once again, helping children in vulnerable communities secure a better future.

That is why Archstorming, in collaboration with Karmayog Foundation and Nepal Rising, has launched the humanitarian competition ‘Nepal School Project: Designing for Resilience’, inviting architects and students from around the world to design an ecological, replicable, and earthquake-resistant school prototype.

The challenge is to develop a model adaptable to various rural locations in the country, using sustainable materials and safe construction solutions against future disasters. These schools will not only ensure educational continuity but also serve as community shelters in emergencies.

Awards

1st Prize: €6,000 + Project Construction

2nd Prize: €2,000

3rd Prize: €1,000

2 Special Mentions of €500 each

10 Honorable Mentions

Winning and finalist projects will be published in architectural magazines, blogs, and social media, as well as on the competition's official website. Additionally, all participants will receive a digital certificate of participation.

Jury members

Saurav Rimal – Founder and President of Karmayog Foundation.

Arati Maleku – Co-Founder and President of Nepal Rising; Associate Professor at The Ohio State University.

Paz Braga – Founder of Paz Braga; Architect specializing in sustainable design and rehabilitation projects.

Takehiko Suzuki – Founder of Takehiko Suzuki Architects; Co-founder of Architecture for the Masses.

Filippo Berardi and Lucia Miglio – Founders of Studio Berardi Miglio; Architects and designers specializing in humanitarian architecture.

João Boto – Co-founder of ROOTSTUDIO and the Adobe for Women Association; Architect focused on socially responsible and sustainable projects.

Riha Sharma – Founder of Design Doctor; Interior Architect and contributor to curriculum development for furniture design at the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) in Nepal.

Calendar

Early registration: February 6 – March 5

Regular registration: March 6 – April 2

Advanced registration: April 3 – April 30

Last call registration: May 1 – May 28

Submission deadline: May 28

Winners announcement: June 11

Registrations are now open. If you believe architecture can change lives, find out more and participate at the website. 

Download the competition brief here: BRIEFING NSP_EN.pdf. 

Top image courtesy of Archstorming.

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