Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Purification Systems Enhancing Ganges Rituals Through Community Spaces

Authors:
Qiyu Tang, Xueyin Yan, Wanchao Yang
Purification Systems Enhancing Ganges Rituals Through Community Spaces
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Advanced purification systems integrate with community pathways and ritual spaces along the Ganges, fostering a harmonious connection between local cultural practices and environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Advanced purification systems designed to cleanse river water in real-time.
02
Integrated pathways enhance accessibility for pilgrims and local residents.
03
Civic spaces are created to support community gatherings and traditional rituals.
04
Water transport systems distribute purified water to nearby areas.
05
Emphasis on sustainability reflects the cultural significance of the Ganges.

The project "Rebirth of Holy Water: Purification of Ganges River in Varanasi" focuses on addressing environmental issues while respecting the cultural significance of the Ganges River. Varanasi, known for its profound spiritual importance to Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, serves as the backdrop for this initiative. The aim is to purify the river and create spaces that support community interaction and traditional practices. The approach is built on integrating ecological solutions with deep reverence for the river’s legacy.

Purification Systems

At the heart of the design are advanced systems intended to purify the Ganges. Currently, the river suffers from serious pollution, which includes waste and organic debris. The proposed purification systems work diligently to cleanse the water, focusing on functionality without disrupting the river’s sacred atmosphere. These systems promise to contribute positively to both the ecosystem and the health of the local community.

Pilgrimage Pathways

Pathways have been strategically integrated to improve access to the river. These routes are designed to accommodate those who come to bathe and practice rituals along the banks. They allow visitors to engage deeply with the river while promoting cleanliness and hygiene. The pathways create a physical and spiritual link between daily life and the significant cultural practices that define Varanasi.

Civic Spaces

Civic spaces are incorporated along the river, designed to facilitate social gatherings and community events. These areas encourage local residents to come together, strengthening their connection to each other and the river. By offering open spaces that are welcoming and accessible, the design enhances the cultural experience for both locals and visitors, reinforcing the river's pivotal role in community life.

Water Transport Systems

Efficient water transport systems outline the framework for distributing purified water throughout the area. These systems emphasize sustainability and ensure that clean water is available to the community. By addressing the need for accessible clean water, the design directly supports public health while also reinforcing the importance of caring for the river and its ecosystem.

The overall design incorporates practical elements that respect the natural environment and the spiritual significance of the Ganges. Key features invite participation, encouraging a deeper relationship with the river while supporting the day-to-day lives of those in Varanasi.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy