An elevated timber structure in the marshlands of South Dakota functions as a community center, incorporating natural illumination and a glazed corridor to facilitate education and public interaction.
Utilizing a pneumatic structure crafted from inflatable silicone, this habitat integrates adaptive design and regenerative life support systems to create a self-sustaining living environment for extended habitation in extreme conditions.
Combining a multi-level design with a drive-in approach, the structure utilizes steel and glass to create accessible urban housing that integrates community living with efficient transport solutions.
Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this school integrates outdoor learning environments with flexible classrooms, fostering a community-centric educational experience within a natural landscape.
Built with a lattice structure of cross-laminated timber and accented by charred wooden shingles, the observatory tower invites visitors to engage with the surrounding marshland while providing critical insights into local wildlife.
Constructed with a lightweight steel framework and expansive glass panels, the observation tower offers unobstructed views of the marshlands, facilitating immersive wildlife observation while seamlessly integrating into the natural landscape.
Jacob Gasper,Ruoxi Chen,Noah Tornabane,Emma Vanzante
Elevated platforms crafted from native pine wood emerge gracefully over the marshland, forming a network of walkways that promote wildlife observation and foster a deep connection with the surrounding ecosystem.
Combining charred wooden shingles with a permeable façade, the structure elevates visitors above the marshland to foster wildlife observation and promote environmental awareness.
Christopher Shoemaker,Javier Rodriguez,Caleb Sturtz,Salvatore Zajac
Constructed from glulam beams and charred wood, the observatory’s tilted cubes create distinct vantage points for immersive birdwatching experiences amid the rich biodiversity surrounding Lake Pape.
Equipped with a hydrogen fuel system and constructed from transparent aluminum, this sustainable habitat on Mars is designed for self-sufficient living while addressing the pressing challenges of resource management and ecological responsibility.
Featuring a vented façade that allows natural light to filter through and engineered wood elements that resonate with the surrounding wetlands, the structure serves as a community hub for environmental education and observation.
Elevated on stilts and made with local bamboo and cane, the microhome integrates sustainable water management systems to create a resilient living space in the Iraqi Marshes.
Utilizing regolith-based materials and biophilic elements, the development creates a sustainable habitat that fosters community living in the challenging environment of Mars.
Albert Mcdonald,Jordan Gray,Sam Burner,Erika Jolleys
Elevated platforms clad in Siberian larch extend gracefully above the marshland, facilitating direct engagement with the ecosystem while providing essential spaces for observation and education.
Charred timber cladding and a thatched roof seamlessly integrate with the marshland, creating a purpose-built observation tower that enhances birdwatching opportunities while respecting the natural environment.
Elevated platforms constructed from laminated timber panels provide an unobtrusive vantage point for observing avian life in a marshy ecosystem, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and nature.
The use of charred timber and cable netting creates a sculptural pavilion that rises above the Pape Lake marsh, providing a unique vantage point for observing the surrounding ecosystem.
Constructed as a protective Faraday cage, this watchtower combines a steel and timber structure with large glass facades to offer unobstructed views of the marshland, serving as a vital observation point for ecological study and appreciation.
A panoramic terrace elevated by a suspended cable system provides visitors with expansive views of the wetlands, promoting accessibility and interaction with the unique ecological landscape.
Constructed with terracotta floors and recycled wood panels, the floating residence harmonizes with the Salt Marshes, providing a sustainable living solution that fosters a strong connection to nature.
The integration of nine modular wooden boxes forms a serene inner dome that offers a versatile reading space, balancing private retreat with community interaction.
Light-colored sand and pinkish hues define an educational facility that merges porous walls with the natural landscape of a wetland, promoting biodiversity while enhancing visitor engagement.
Incorporating traditional azulejos and sustainable photovoltaic panels, the facility fosters community interaction among elderly residents through thoughtfully designed spaces that blend functionality with regional cultural elements.
This residential complex is designed to enhance active ageing to support its elderly residents. It prioritizes autonomy and community engagement, offering a unique blend of individual living spaces and communal areas.
Located within a uniform residential landscape in the United Arab Emirates, the design introduces a contemporary response to the region’s repetitive built environment. It proposes a modular residential typology that accommodates changing household needs while engaging with its environmental and social context.
Constructed with modular cross-laminated timber panels and green roof systems, the design establishes a contemporary urban hub that supports intergenerational living and promotes social cohesion.
Repurposed oil rigs form the foundation for a resilient water-based community, integrating fish farms and urban agriculture to create a sustainable habitat for future residents.
The project is a wellness retreat that brings together yoga, meditation, and communal living through an architecture focused on minimal environmental impact. Using ecologically responsible materials and passive design strategies, it fosters a balanced relationship between daily life and the surrounding natural landscape.
Use architecture to create different emotional states
Edition #9ideas COMPETITIONSILENT 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
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
Use architecture to create different emotional states
Edition #9ideas COMPETITIONSILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
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