The International Union of Architects (UIA) has launched an international ideas competition designed to inspire and empower young architects to take a leading role in participatory urban design. This initiative aligns with the theme of the UN-Habitat World Architecture Day 2024: Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design, underscoring the critical role of young architects in shaping sustainable and inclusive environments for future generations.
Open to architects worldwide born on or after 1 January 1989, the competition encourages innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, particularly those affecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within an urban context. Multidisciplinary teams are welcome to participate, with the stipulation that team leaders must be qualified architects in their country of residence or origin.
An opportunity for young architects
This initiative is a testament to the UIA’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among the next generation of architects. Through their participation, young professionals can make meaningful contributions to the qualitative development of UNESCO sites and inspire the creation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and participate in a Round Table discussion held at Palazzo Zorzi – the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, in Venice. Their work will also be displayed in an exhibition at the commencement of the Biennale Architettura 2025.
Prizes
The competition offers a total prize fund of €15,000, with the following awards:
- 1st Prize: €5,000 and a certificate
- 2nd Prize: €4,000 and a certificate
- 3rd Prize: €3,000 and a certificate
- 4th Prize: €2,000 and a certificate
- 5th Prize: €1,000 and a certificate
In addition, the jury may award up to five honourable mentions to submissions of exceptional merit.
Jury
An esteemed international jury has been convened, including:
- Manuel Herrero Sanchéz, Architect, Spain
- Magdalena Landry, Director UNESCO Office Venice, Poland
- Cristóbal Tirado, Architect, Chile,
- Doan Than Há, Architect, Vietnam
- Omar Degan, Architect, Somalia
Giacomo Ardesio, Architect, Italy, will serve as the alternate juror.
Timeline
The competition will proceed according to the following schedule:
- Launch: 7 January 2025
- Deadline for questions: 16 January 2025
- Deadline for answers: 31 January 2025
- Deadline for registration: 7 March 2025
- Deadline for submission of entries: 7 March 2025 at 17:00 Paris time
- Jury decision: 4 April 2025
- Result announcement and Awards Ceremony: 7 May 2025
- Vernissage (Exhibition Opening): 7 May 2025
- Roundtable discussion: 8 May 2025
- Exhibition at the Palazzo Zorzi, Venice: 8 to 15 May 2025
How to Participate
Interested architects and teams can visit the official UIA competition platform to register, ask questions, and submit their entries.
Contact Information
For media inquiries and further details, please contact: competitions@uia-architectes.org
Find out more and download the competition brief on the UIA website
