Launch an architecture competition with Buildner

For universities worldwide

Buildner partners with leading universities worldwide to inspire innovation and expand architectural education. Our global competitions create transformative learning experiences and give students access to real-world, international challenges.

Buildner’s academic network

Buildner has established one of the most extensive university networks in architecture, currently connecting with 1,300+ institutions worldwide. This reach provides invaluable access to academia, engaging students and faculty while fostering the next generation of architects.

Explore our current ranking of the most engaged universities here.

As part of our commitment to education, we offer universities the opportunity to host competitions entirely free of charge, with Buildner also sponsoring the prize fund.

Scenario 1

Elevate your curriculum

Buildner competitions isn't just about selecting a winning design. It's about creating a real-world, dynamic learning platform within your curriculum. We provide a comprehensive framework that turns the competitions into a crucial part of your students' coursework. As a result, students gain first-hand experience working on genuine architectural projects and competing on a global stage.

Benefits:

Practical learning

By tackling real-world architectural challenges, students go beyond theoretical knowledge and hone their professional skills

Global exposure

Participating in an international competition brings attention to your students and your institution from architects, educators, and students worldwide

Innovation boost

The competitive environment pushes students to think creatively and come up with groundbreaking solutions

Career enhancement

Participation and recognition in the competition add significant value to your students' professional portfolios

Buildner Architecture University Rankings

1,435 universities and schools

Explore the Buildner's University Rankings featuring thousands of talented architecture students from universities worldwide who have already showcased their brilliance in our prestigious competitions. Elevate your institution's reputation and empower your students to leave their mark on the global architectural stage.

Scenario 2

Transform your coursework into a global competition

Does your university have a visionary idea for a potential architectural project that you'd like your students to work on as part of their coursework? Partner with us at Buildner and we'll turn this theoretical project into a full-fledged international architecture ideas competition.

In this scenario, we take your coursework concept and craft it into a competition brief that is then opened up to submissions from architects worldwide. This provides your students with a unique opportunity - not only do they get to work on this challenge as part of their curriculum, but they also get to observe and learn from the innovative solutions proposed by international professionals and students alike.

Benefits:

Real-world challenge

The transformation of a coursework idea into a global competition allows your students to work on real-world challenges, amplifying their learning experience

Global collaboration

As your coursework idea reaches international competitors, it fosters a collaborative environment for your students to interact with peers and professionals globally

Exposure to diverse ideas

By inviting international entries, students are exposed to a range of innovative solutions to their coursework problem, broadening their architectural understanding and perspective

Promotion of the institution

Your institution's name is highlighted globally through the competition, enhancing its reputation and standing in the architectural and academic communities

Featured Buildner Student Award Winners
and their stories

University
Warsaw University of Technology , Politechnika Warszawska
Explore Buildner’s University Network
Country
Poland
Award:

10,000 €

Competition
MICROHOME 2024/25
Join next competition edition

Case study: The Buildner–City of Denver–AIA Colorado collaboration

How Denver and AIA Colorado partnered with Buildner to explore new architectural strategies for delivering high-quality affordable housing across the city.

DENVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING
CHALLENGE / 20,000 USD PRIZE FUND

Organized jointly by the City and County of Denver, AIA Colorado, and Buildner, the competition invited architects to propose concepts that combine affordability with design excellence. The brief challenged participants to rethink housing at multiple scales—from individual buildings to district-level strategies and policy frameworks—while responding to Denver's climate risks, rising construction costs, zoning constraints, and the city's long-term vision for equitable, resilient urban growth.

Learn more

Throughout the process, Buildner proved to be a highly organized and knowledgeable partner with a clear understanding of how to successfully execute Denver Affordable Housing competition. Their team provided thoughtful guidance and hands-on support at every stage, including coordinating with our volunteers and internal team, managing the call for submissions, recruiting and organizing a highly qualified jury, and presenting the winning projects in a clear and compelling way.

AIA Colorado
Jon Bell, Communications and Creative Director

Buildner + Norman Foster Foundation and UNECE
in Ukraine

COMPETITION ORGANISERS

Buildner, in collaboration with the Norman Foster Foundation, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), ARUP, and the Kharkiv City Council, has launched an architecture competition in Kharkiv, Ukraine. This competition addresses the urgent need for reconstruction in the city, which is located near the Russian border and has been significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict.

Participants have the chance to see their designs realized, with winning projects being developed into detailed construction plans in collaboration with local teams. This initiative not only aims to repair but also to improve living conditions, offering a unique opportunity to positively impact Kharkiv’s future resilience and quality of life.

Competition

Case study: Kingspan's Microhome

Kingspan teams up with Buildner for architectural innovation!

COMPETITION ORGANISERS

Official PARTNER

Kingspan, a global leader in high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions, has joined forces with Buildner, renowned for orchestrating some of the most dynamic and engaging architectural competitions worldwide.

This collaboration has paved the way for the Microhome Competition, a platform not only showcasing cutting-edge design but also emphasizing sustainability and innovative use of Kingspan's products. This partnership underlines a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural creativity, offering a unique stage for designers and architects globally to display their talents and vision.

Case study

Buildner’s expertise in managing global competitions ensures a diverse range of ideas and solutions, fostering a rich dialogue among participants and the wider industry. As [MICROHOME competition] partners, we appreciate the ability to connect architects, designers and enthusiasts from around the world, creating a vibrant community focused on the future of living spaces.

Kingspan Group
Fiona Barry

Case study: The Buildner–Association for Women in Architecture + Design partnership

How a dedicated collaboration was used to create an international competition recognizing the contributions of women in architecture.

THE MARKER DESIGN CHALLENGE /
6,000 EURO PRIZE FUND

The Marker Design Challenge invited participants to design a physical marker—such as a plaque, sculpture, mural, or monument—to be placed beside a structure or landscape designed by a woman anywhere in the world. The goal was to highlight the impact of female architects and designers, giving visibility to work that has historically been overlooked. Proposals needed to express design identity, connect to the chosen site's history, and function across diverse climates and public environments, reinforcing the cultural legacy of women shaping the built environment.

Learn more

Case study: The Buildner–Hospice Design Initiative collaboration

How an international ideas competition was used to explore architectural approaches to compassionate, non-residential end-of-life care.

HOSPICE – HOME FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL /
10,000 EURO PRIZE FUND

The competition invited architects to envision a hospice that functions as a peaceful daytime sanctuary for adults in the final stages of life. The brief called for a supportive environment for up to 15 visitors and 5 staff members, including a small library, gathering room, chapel, communal kitchen and dining area, plus a private zone with a nurse's room and therapy space. Participants were asked to propose a site in their own country and design spaces that provide comfort, emotional support, and psychological care while allowing quiet reflection, community interaction, and dignity in a non-overnight setting.

Learn more

Case study: The Buildner–Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) & Dubai Government partnership

How Dubai's public-sector partners used an international competition to shape new human-scale design elements across the city.

DUBAI URBAN ELEMENTS CHALLENGE /
500,000 EURO PRIZE FUND

The Dubai Urban Elements Challenge called on architects and designers to rethink the small but influential components of the city's public realm—such as benches, lighting, pedestrian bridges, shading structures, and bike facilities. Participants were tasked with creating a unified design language for seven distinct urban zones, each with its own density, character, and cultural context. The brief focused on elevating everyday urban elements to strengthen Dubai's identity, improve comfort in extreme climate conditions, and support more cohesive, walkable, and engaging public spaces across the city.

Learn more

Case study: The Buildner-Dubai innovative partnership

Insights into a pioneering architectural collaboration between Buildner and Dubai government

HOUSE OF THE FUTURE COMPETITION /
250,000 EURO PRIZE FUND

The "House of the Future" competition, initiated by the Dubai government, challenges architects and designers to develop innovative housing designs for Dubai's residents. The primary goal is to create homes that are culturally resonant, aesthetically pleasing, sustainable, and smart, all within a budget of no more than 1 million Emirati Dirhams.

Learn more

The House of the Future competition reaffirmed Dubai's position as a beacon of innovation and creativity on the global stage, driven by our dedication to improving the quality of life for the people of Dubai.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council

Case study: The Buildner–Mujassam Watan Initiative partnership

How a national cultural initiative in Saudi Arabia used an international competition to shape landmark sculptures for two major public sites in the Eastern Province.

MUJASSAM WATAN URBAN SCULPTURE CHALLENGE /
50,000 EURO PRIZE FUND

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invited architects and artists to design site-specific sculptures for two strategic locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a gateway highway linking Saudi Arabia with its Gulf neighbours, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a contemporary waterfront district. The brief asked designers to create works that express Saudi identity, reflect national heritage and future aspirations, and respond to each site's distinct conditions—high-speed highway visibility on one hand, and public waterfront engagement on the other. The competition aimed to generate bold, durable, and meaningful landmarks that enhance the cultural landscape of the Eastern Province and support the Kingdom's broader vision for renewal and creative expression.

Learn more

Invitation-only competition:
350,000 € Prize, Manila Bay Central Park Challenge

COMPETITION ORGANISERS

Official PARTNER

Buildner, in partnership with SM Prime Holdings, Inc., launched an invitation-only competition in Manila: The Manila Bay Central Park Challenge.

This prestigious competition aimed to design a landmark park for Manila’s future Central Business District, with a prize fund of 350,000 euros. The client ambitiously set a goal to create a space that rivals the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The competition sought to develop a sustainable and iconic public space that would serve as a visual and cultural beacon for the city.

Why Buildner?

Fast facts

15

years of experience

177

successfully organised
competitions

See all results

558

guest jury members

See our guest jury

1190

awards granted

Testimonials

Our process

01 Kickoff & goals

We have a short discussion to agree on success metrics, audience, key dates, and budget.

02 Research & write the brief

We gather context and draft the brief (what to design, what to submit, how it's judged). You review; we finalize.

03 Pick the jury

We suggest a balanced list of experts, check for conflicts, and send invitations. You confirm the final panel.

04 Prep the launch

We build the competition webpage, visuals, timeline, and marketing plan. You approve the launch package.

05 Go live & support

Registration opens. We run the platform, answer Q&A, handle tech support, and send you a short weekly update.

06 Judging

Submissions close. We check entries, the jury reviews and meets, and a shortlist and winners are chosen.

07 Announce winners

We publish the results page, press release, and social toolkit. Winners are notified and prizes are paid.

08 Wrap-up next steps

You get a clear impact summary (entries, reach, key insights) and options for a webinar, exhibition, or follow - up work.

Brief

We write it. You just review for accuracy and must - haves, then approve.

Jury

We propose a balanced panel. You green - light the final list (and can suggest any must - include names).

Launch package

We build the webpage and visuals. You check brand usage/ logos and give the go - ahead to launch.

Shortlist

We run judging and share the shortlist. You can add comments or simply acknowledge it.

Results & press

We draft the results page, press release, and social copy. You approve quotes, titles, and logo usage.

Conference room with presentations

What we do

We design and deliver global, open architecture competitions and grants end-to-end—strategy, brief, jurying, operations, media, and impact reporting

Who we serve

  • Private individuals
  • Brands & product companies
  • Cities, public agencies & NGOs
  • Real estate developers
  • Educational institutions

558 JURY NETWORK

Norman Foster

Norman Foster

Norman Foster Foundation
Spain

Philippe Starck

Philippe Starck

Creator
France

Farshid Moussavi

Farshid Moussavi

Farshid Moussavi Architecture (FMA)
United Kingdom

Alison Brooks

Alison Brooks

Alison Brooks Architects
UK

Lyndon Neri

Lyndon Neri

Neri&Hu Design and Research Office
China

Amanda Levete

Amanda Levete

Founder, AL_A

Francine Houben

Francine Houben

Founding Partner, Mecanoo
Netherlands

558 Jury Network

How we curate juries

Balance by geography, practice type, and expertise; combine practitioners, educators, curators, and brand/agency voices to match the brief and ensure rigorous debate
(See extended jury roster on our site).

How we keep it fair

Clear competition rules and terms, conflict-of-interest safeguards, and platform-level identity verification (KYC) to protect integrity and participants.

We also collaborate closely with ArchDaily via a formal content partnership around our flagship awards

Audience

Reach & visibility

Demographics & Composition

92% professional participation (licensed architects,
designers, and companies), with a 8% student share for
fresh academic perspective.

43%
34%
15%
8%
Architectural designers
Licensed architects
Companies
studios/firms
Students
3rd
United Kingdom
2nd Italy
1st
United States

Audience & Visibility

Buildner owned channels

2M+ annual visitors
Website
300K+ subscribers
Newsletter
1M+ followers
Social media

Guaranteed media partnership

Strategic partner
The world's largest architecture news site
18M monthly visits
Reach
Guaranteed visibility
Recurring winner highlightsand editorial series
Additional content
Live webinars and events

Testimonials

"More than a partner — a trusted advisor driving innovation in urban design"
SM PRIME
"Seamless, professional, and transparent process that fostered creative solutions and award-winning projects"
Turenscape
"Exceeded expectations – A successful global campaign that built community and showcased visionary ideas"
Kingspan Group
"Buildner's expertise in curating and managing international design competition enabled a seamless process—one that successfully attracted globally recognized talent and fostered a rich exchange of ideas"

Partners

Buildner’s academic network

Buildner has established one of the most extensive university networks in architecture, currently connecting with 1,300+ institutions worldwide. This reach provides invaluable access to academia, engaging students and faculty while fostering the next generation of architects.

Explore our current ranking of the most engaged universities here.

Next steps & contact

Schedule a 10-minute call

01 Quick intro

We'll help you find the right competition format, prize fund, and level of storytelling you need.

02 Tailored plan

We'll help you find the right competition format, prize fund, and level of storytelling you need.

03 Clear path

You'll leave with a clear plan and a simple list of approvals we'll handle together.

What we'll ask you

Objectives

What does success look like for you? (e.g., brand awareness, insights, hiring)

Topic/Site

What are your preferred launch and results dates?

Budget

What is your target prize fund and comfort range for organizing and marketing?

Must-Haves

Are there any jury names, regions, languages, or specific brand guidelines we need to include?

Contact us today!

Send a message

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