competition
International Design Competition
Architectural Alchemy: Aesthetic Design Ideas for a Better World
Call for Design Projects and Ideas
- Download competition materials: from here
-Submit your Project and required materials and poster to here
-Payment for the competition will only be acceptable from here
Note: Make sure to prepare all the required documents before filling out the above-mentioned online registration form.
Note: We do not accept project submissions via email.
Building Category: Any building category is permissible.
Building Condition: Both conceptual projects, ideas and/or pre-existing built projects are admissible.
Site Information to design your project: The competition is open to any location in the world.
Eligibility Criteria: The competition is open to a diverse range of participants, including both students and professionals. At least one member of the participant(s) must be currently studying or holding a degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Interior Architecture or closely related fields. Faculty members are encouraged to guide their students in submitting collaborative team projects.
» Site Information to design your project
» Intellectual Property Rights
» Purpose and Theme:
Purpose: The purpose of the "Architectural Alchemy: Aesthetic Design Ideas for a Better World" competition is to inspire, celebrate, and delve into the profound impact of aesthetics in architectural design and urban planning solutions referring to its environmental problems. This international architectural competition, hosted by the Department of Architecture at Alanya University, is dedicated to advancing the significance of aesthetics while fostering innovation, recognizing exceptional talent, and enriching the field with an acute focus on beauty in architecture and environmental challenges. The "Architectural Alchemy: Aesthetic Design Ideas for a Better World" competition is essential in recognizing and celebrating the transformative power of aesthetics in architectural design and urban planning. It inspires architects, urban designers, and interior designers to prioritize aesthetics as a fundamental element, enhancing the visual beauty of our built environments. By fostering innovation, acknowledging exceptional talent, and elevating aesthetic standards, the competition cultivates a deeper awareness of how aesthetics can positively impact human well-being, create harmonious spaces, and contribute to a visually striking, culturally relevant, and environmentally responsible built environment. Ultimately, this competition envisions a world where aesthetics converge with architectural excellence, enriching the quality of our surroundings and the lives of those who inhabit them.
Theme: The central theme of this competition explores the transformative power of aesthetics in architecture and urban design as a solution for environmental problems and challenges. Participants are encouraged to unearth and showcase their creative and innovative ideas and concepts that leverage aesthetics to address the challenges and opportunities in architecture and environmental design. The competition welcomes both existing architectural and urban design projects that exemplify outstanding aesthetic design and student projects that exhibit a commitment to elevating the built environment through aesthetics.
The primary goals and objectives of this competition are as follows:
1. Promote Aesthetic Excellence: Encourage architects, urban designers, and interior designers to prioritize aesthetics as a fundamental element in architectural design, capable of creating visually stunning and harmonious spaces.
2. Recognize Aesthetic Innovation: Acknowledge and celebrate projects that demonstrate innovative aesthetic design approaches, recognizing the profound influence of aesthetics on the beauty and character of our environments.
3. Foster Aesthetic Creativity: Provide a platform for participants to explore new concepts and practices that harness the transformative power of aesthetics, pushing the boundaries of architectural and urban design.
4. Cultivate Aesthetic Awareness: Promote an educational environment where aesthetics are integrated into architectural education, equipping future designers with the skills to create beautiful, functional, and environmentally responsible spaces.
5. Elevate Aesthetic Standards: Raise the standards of architectural and urban design by showcasing projects that serve as exemplars of the transformative potential of aesthetics, benefiting both the architectural community and the public.
6. Enhance Environmental Impact: Emphasize the environmental significance of aesthetics by demonstrating how beautiful, well-designed spaces can positively affect human well-being, sustainability, and the overall quality of the built environment.
Here are some key aesthetic dimensions that participants may focus on some of them in the "Architectural Alchemy: Aesthetic Design Ideas for a Better World" competition:
1. Harmony and Proportion: Participants should consider how elements within a design relate to each other, achieving a harmonious balance. This includes the proportion of spaces, building elements, and materials.
2. Material Selection: The choice of materials greatly impacts the aesthetics of a design. Participants should explore how the selection of materials can enhance the visual appeal of a project while considering their environmental impact.
3. Color and Texture: The use of color and texture in architecture can significantly influence the aesthetics of a space. Participants should consider how color palettes and textures contribute to the overall visual experience.
4. Spatial Composition: How spaces are arranged and composed within a design is essential. Participants should focus on how the layout of spaces contributes to the overall aesthetic quality.
5. Light and Shadow: Light plays a vital role in aesthetics. Participants should explore how natural and artificial lighting can create dramatic effects, emphasizing certain elements or creating visual interest.
6. Cultural and Contextual Relevance: Aesthetics should be contextually and culturally relevant. Participants should consider how a design respects and responds to its surroundings and the cultural context in which it is situated.
7. User Experience: Aesthetics also extend to the experience of the users. Participants should think about how a design creates a pleasing and comfortable environment for those who inhabit or interact with it.
8. Sustainability Integration: Aesthetic dimensions should include sustainable design elements. Participants should explore how sustainable features and technologies can enhance the aesthetics of a project, highlighting the beauty of eco-friendly solutions.
9. Innovation and Uniqueness: Aesthetic innovation is a key aspect. Participants should aim to bring fresh and unique ideas to the table, pushing the boundaries of conventional design.
10. Visual Impact: Ultimately, aesthetics should create a visual impact, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Participants should consider how their designs will be visually striking and memorable.
» Submission Classifications:
Participants are required to select one of the following categories by the time that they submit their project.
A:) Architecture:
A-1:Aesthetics in Architectural Design (General aspects): This category emphasizes design ideas and solutions that celebrate and incorporate aesthetic innovation in architectural and interior design at various scales. Participants are encouraged to explore one of the following keywords in their design process: aesthetics, innovative design processes, cutting-edge technologies, and architectural approaches. Concepts related to Smart Skin, building envelopes, façades, design harmonization, urban aesthetics, visual beauty, climate considerations, and architectural creativity are welcome. Additional keywords include Aesthetic Building Materials, Visual Impact, Contemporary Forms, Spatial Composition, and more.
A-2:Cultural Aesthetics in Architectural Design: This category focuses on the integration of cultural elements and the celebration of aesthetics in Architecture. It may cover topics such as cultural harmony, visual storytelling, cultural studies, architectural expressions, urban aesthetics, regenerations, renovations, and the incorporation of cultural identity into design. Concepts related to cultural authenticity and visual beauty are encouraged.
B:) Urban Design:
B-1: Aesthetic Urban Design (General aspects): This section is dedicated to the exploration of general aspects and solutions of aesthetics in urban design and neighborhood development. Participants are expected to emphasize keywords related to aesthetics, design processes, creative ideas, and approaches in their neighborhood and urban design. Topics can include Smart Urban Aesthetics, urban green spaces, visual impact, cultural aesthetics, urban identity, visual storytelling, and aesthetic excellence.
B-2: Cultural Aesthetics in Urban Design: This classification deals with the integration of cultural elements and aesthetics into urban design and neighborhood planning. Topics covered include the visual celebration of cultural diversity, harmonious aesthetics, cultural expressions, and the incorporation of cultural narratives into urban aesthetics.
This revised breakdown reflects the competition's core focus on aesthetics and encourages participants to explore and celebrate the aesthetic dimensions in their designs.
» Building Category:
Any building category is permissible.
» Building Condition:
Both conceptual projects and pre-existing built projects are admissible.
» Site Information to design your project:
The competition is open to any location in the world, and participation is optional. There are no specific site or scale constraints or dimensions.
» Eligibility Criteria:
· The competition is open to a diverse range of participants, including both students and professionals.
· At least one member of the participant(s) must be currently studying or holding a degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Interior Architecture or closely related fields. This criterion ensures that a core connection to the architectural and urban design disciplines is maintained.
· Submissions can be made individually (1 participant) or as a team of up to four (4) members, allowing for both individual creativity and collaborative efforts.
· Participants from all corners of the world are welcome to submit their projects, making this a truly international competition that transcends geographical boundaries.
· There are no age restrictions for this competition, meaning that architects and designers of all ages can participate and contribute their ideas and expertise to the theme of sustainability in architecture and urban design.
» Prizes and Awards:
First Prize (1st Place):
€400 in cash.
A certificate of achievement.
Inclusion in the competition book with ISBN number.
Permanent publication on the competition website.
Second Prize (2nd Place):
€300 in cash.
A certificate of achievement.
Inclusion in the competition book with ISBN number.
Permanent publication on the competition website.
Third Prize (3rd Place):
€200 in cash.
A certificate of achievement.
Inclusion in the competition book with ISBN number.
Permanent publication on the competition website.
Additional Recognitions:
Shortlisting and Special Mentions (Each section 10 projects in total 40 Projects):
Certificates of special mention for the top 40 shortlisted projects.
Inclusion in the competition book with ISBN number.
Permanent publication on the competition website.
Global Exposure:
All registered projects will be featured in the competition book with an ISBN number, ensuring their recognition and preservation in the world of architectural achievements.
Certificates of Participation:
All participants will receive certificates to acknowledge their involvement in the competition, enhancing their professional and academic portfolios.
Long-Term Online Visibility:
All submitted projects will remain accessible on the competition website indefinitely, providing a lasting platform for participants to showcase their work to a global audience.
Peer and Public Recognition:
All winners, special mentions, and registered participants will gain recognition and exposure within the architectural and urban design community, connecting with peers and the public who share an interest in sustainable architecture.
Networking Opportunities:
Participation in the competition will offer networking opportunities with fellow professionals, students, and individuals passionate about sustainability and architecture.
Inspiration and Impact:
By participating, individuals can contribute to a growing body of sustainable architectural design, inspiring others and contributing to a more sustainable future in the world of architecture and urban planning.
Notes:
· The designs of the award-winning participants will be announced on the competition website (http://www.iccaua.com).
· From the date of the announcement, there is a one-month appeal period for third parties. If an objection is raised by third parties to a design, the objection will be evaluated by the jury members, and a defense will be requested from the relevant participant. If the jury finds the objection valid, the relevant participant will be disqualified. In such a case, the disqualified participant's project will be removed from the website, and they will be exempt from all awards.
· The jury will recognize and bestow certificates of honor upon 10 individuals within each of the four distinct competition categories, resulting in a total of 40 honourable mentions for this competition.
· In the case of team participation, cash prizes will be evenly divided among group members.
· Groups consisting of the exact same team members will receive the highest amount of their awards when they win two awards.
· In multiple award-winning individual applications, the highest amount of the won award will be considered valid.
» Submission Requirements:
By the time you are submitting your project to the below-mentioned submission platform please make sure to submit the following two main
1. Project description in the English language (in Word Document Format, should not exceed 200 words). See the template of the posters from the following link:
2. Maximum 1 Poster (A2 Horizontal- 42.0 x 59.4 centimetres- JPEG Format), participants must use one of the provided templates for submission (JPEG Format). See the optional template of the posters from the following link:
Participants are required to submit a maximum of two posters, granting them the creative freedom to design the posters as they see fit. However, they must ensure that the project title is positioned at the top of the poster (which side they choose is flexible) and maintain the project number placement as indicated on the bottom right side of the poster. Both pages must adhere to this structure, with space allocated for the title and project number. If submitting two posters, the first poster should serve as a summary of the site analysis, concept, and design process, without any design restrictions, allowing participants to align it with their vision. The second poster, while open to individual preferences, must align with the design structure, method, and language employed in the first poster. It may also include optional perspectives, sections, and plans.
- Participants can use any scale they see suitable to present their project.
MAKE SURE YOUR NAME IS NOT MENTIONED ANYWHERE ON THE POSTER OTHERWISE, YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED WITHOUT NOTIFICATION.
» Submission Process
4. Submission Process: Submissions must be made online through the provided submission form. Before submission, participants should thoroughly review the following checklist:
a. File Format: Ensure that your poster is in JPEG format not exceeding 10MB in size.
b. Registration Number: The provided place for the registration number should remain unchanged and empty on the bottom right side of the poster (we will fill that place so leave it as it is).
c. Name Exclusion: Confirm that your name is not present on any part of the poster.
d. Single Submission: Please refrain from uploading your project more than once, as multiple submissions may cause confusion and risk losing your entry.
Section 5: Submission Link
5. Submission Link: Provide the web link or URL for participants to upload your poster and project descriptions.
» Registration and Fees:
A registration fee of 15 euros is required to participate in the competition.
This fee supports the publication and exhibition of projects for the benefit of jury members, and conference participants, and covers administrative costs, awards, and conference expenses.
» Timeline:
· Registration and submission Deadline: Opens on 1st January 2024, Ends on 29 February 2024
· Evaluation Period: 23rd May 2024
· Announcement of Winners: 30th May 2024
· Publication of the Competition Book (in print and on the website): 23rd June 2024
· Distribution of Certificates to All Participants: 30th May 2024
· Exhibition at Alanya University (Participation is optional): 23rd May 2024
» Jury:
o ensure a transparent and expert-driven selection process, the first set of jury members was nominated by the authors who participated in person at the conference. Subsequently, the shortlisted experts were presented to our esteemed keynote speakers, who will collectively determine the first-, second, and third-place winners of the competition. This multi-tiered approach ensures that the winning projects truly represent the pinnacle of contemporary architecture and urban advancements.
» Evaluation Criteria:
Designs will be judged based on creativity, Innovative approach, functionality, sustainability, feasibility, relevance to the competition theme, as well as innovative and aesthetic design solutions.
» Intellectual Property Rights:
Participants will retain the intellectual property rights to their designs, and these rights will not be transferred to the competition organizers.
» Rules and Regulations:
· Each project submitted to the competition must be an original work designed by the participant. In the event of the opposite, the project will be disqualified from the competition, and if it has won an award, the award will be revoked. Furthermore, if the submitted work is not an original work and third parties claim rights over the design, the responsibility will be with the participant.
· The competition is organized as an international and single-stage event within the framework of this regulation. The competition regulation and its annexes can be obtained from the competition secretariat and the www.iccaua.com website.
· Participants are required to fully comply with the provisions of this regulation.
· Participants who wish to submit multiple projects should obtain a separate nickname for each project and submit them separately.
· The design drawings and implementations of the award-winning design, along with the name of the award-winning participant, will be exhibited.
· Whether winning or not, every participant in the competition acknowledges and undertakes that ICCAUA has the unlimited right to exhibit selected designs from those submitted to the competition, with the participants' names, in exhibitions and similar events to be determined by ICCAUA. Participants affirm that the designs submitted to the competition are original and unique, and they accept and undertake that any legal responsibilities arising from the lack of originality in the designs and any applications and compensation claims within the scope of the "Law on Intellectual and Artistic Works" and the "Decree on the Protection of Industrial Designs" made by third parties regarding the designs are their own responsibilities. Those who participate in this competition are considered to have accepted the conditions specified in this regulation.
· ICCAUA may announce and publish information and images related to participants in a format it deems appropriate, alongside their projects. ii. Participants acknowledge and declare that ICCAUA has the unlimited right to print, reproduce, copy, distribute, archive, display, exhibit domestically and internationally, and make any additions or changes to designs in print and digital media, correspondence, web pages, websites, digital platforms, and in all areas approved by ICCAUA, without any geographical or time limitations, and they will not later prevent the use of the designs in the manner specified in the regulation. iii. ICCAUA reserves the right to cancel the competition at any stage before announcing the competition results. In such a case, ICCAUA commits not to use the submitted designs. iv. All participants who accept the competition regulation are considered to have agreed to the regulation terms, competition conditions, and the decisions of the jury. v. ICCAUA reserves the right to make changes to the competition regulation. vi. ICCAUA may make changes to the competition schedule.
» Communication and Queries:
For any questions, inquiries, or clarifications regarding the competition, participants can reach out via email to comp.iccaua@gmail.com
»Frequently asked questions
* Do the registration is free?
Due to the expenses incurred in publication and organizing the event, there will be a small registration fee.
*Is it necessary to physically participate during the exhibition days in Turkey, or is there an option to engage in the competition online?
While there will be an exhibition during the competition, it's not mandatory for contributors to be present in person; they will have the option to follow the competition online.
* Can you please guide me about how can I be a part of this competition?
To participate in the competition, please follow the guidelines outlined in the link provided. Make sure to submit your poster and the necessary documents through the Google Form mentioned on the website. This will ensure your project is considered for the competition. Good luck!
https://www.iccaua.com/page/competition
* I would like to get more information about the competition as I couldn't find the website.
You May find the relevant information regarding the competition from the following link:
https://www.iccaua.com/page/competition
The "Architectural Alchemy: Aesthetic Design Ideas for a Better World" competition, hosted by Alanya University's Department of Architecture, invites architects, urban designers, interior designers, students, and professionals globally to submit their aesthetic design projects or ideas. The competition emphasizes the profound impact of aesthetics in architectural design and urban planning, particularly in addressing environmental challenges. Open to any building category and site worldwide, it accepts both conceptual and existing projects. Eligibility requires at least one team member to be connected to architecture or a related field.
Submissions are categorized into architecture (with a focus on general aesthetics or cultural aesthetics in architectural design) and urban design (emphasizing general or cultural aesthetics in urban planning). The competition seeks innovative, sustainable, and aesthetically impactful designs, judged on creativity, functionality, and alignment with the theme. Awards include cash prizes, certificates, and publication opportunities, with a registration fee of 15 euros. The submission process requires a project description and poster(s) adhering to specific guidelines. Intellectual property rights remain with the participants. For more details or queries, participants can email comp.iccaua@gmail.com. The registration and submission period is from January 1st to February 29th, 2024, with an exhibition at Alanya University.
