Short Description
2025: A pivotal year. The promise of “a better tomorrow,” the theme of the 21st Asian Congress of Architects (ACA21) in Incheon, hangs in the balance. Our world is experiencing an unprecedented upheaval. Climate change casts a long shadow, unleashing natural disasters and exacerbating existing inequalities. However, advancement of Artificial Intelligence and other technologies is also bringing opportunities. But is it truly the answer? Architects, more than ever, are called upon to design spaces that not only ensure safety and comfort but also foster resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. This seismic shift demands a proactive response, a reimagining of how we design and build for the communities we serve. The question before us is not merely how to build, but what kind of future we are building, and for whom? The answer may lie in the adaptable, responsive nature of “Plug-in Architecture for a Better Tomorrow”—a design philosophy that embraces integration, sustainability, and resilience, offering a pathway to a more equitable and hopeful future.
This competition challenges students to develop “plug-in” architectural ideas that seamlessly integrate with existing buildings, structures, or social contexts. Successful designs will enhance overall synergy and improve the lives of users while demonstrating harmonious integration with the existing urban fabric. The early 20th century saw the automobile industry revolutionize urban environments, introducing new forms of mobility.
While this led to fundamental changes in housing and city design, it also disrupted existing urban orders. The 21st century demands a different approach—one where technological advancement are implemented sensitively, avoiding disruptive impacts on communities.
ARCASIA invites students from all member institutes to submit innovative architectural ideas and experiments, regardless of scale (from small-scale interventions like bike-sharing shelters to large-scale urban projects). Submissions should clearly articulate design concepts that foster inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities. All design methods are welcome, provided they explore the potential of “plug-in architecture” to create better communities across diverse spaces and contexts.
Competition Theme: Plug-in Architecture for a Better Tomorrow
1. The objectives of the Students’ Design Competition are as follows:
1.1. To Cultivate Cultural Appreciation: The Students Competition aims to inspire Asian architectural students to embrace and appreciate the architectural diversity and heritage of their own region, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for cultural nuances in architectural design.
1.2. To Promote a Spirit of Healthy Design Competition: The competition is designed to promote a positive environment for students to engage in healthy design competition. By fostering a culture of constructive rivalry and individual growth, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, strive for excellence, and push the boundaries of their design capabilities.
1.3. To Champion Design Excellence: The Students Design Competition aims to nurture creativity and excellence in architectural design by providing students with an opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions and push the boundaries of traditional architectural practices. Through this competition, students are encouraged to strive for excellence and develop groundbreaking design concepts.
2. Competition Details
2.1. The competition is open to architecture students from ARCASIA member countries. Each institute must set up a procedure to select National Winners and submit a maximum of three (3) national winners to SDC Committee for the final judging.
2.2. The entries should be a product of students currently pursuing their first professional degree in architecture, be it B. Arch, B.S. Arch., or M. Arch, depending on which is recognized as the first accredited degree by their respective National Boards, Authorities, or Councils. Architectural design works of Post Professional or Post Graduate Courses i.e., Master Programs that are taken after B. Arch course (Professional Degree) are not be eligible for joining.
2.3. Individual or group work as an entry is allowed.
2.4. The entry must have any or all of the following characteristics:
2.4.1. Specific Design Challenge: The SDC requires students to develop an architectural proposal that directly addresses a specific design challenge proposed by the SDC Convenor. The challenge may be related to a particular site, context, or theme, providing a clear focus for the participants.
2.4.2. Innovation and Originality: A good entry in the SDC should showcase high levels of innovation and originality. Participants are encouraged to think outside the box and present fresh ideas or unique approaches to architectural challenges. This could include innovative design concepts, the use of cutting-edge materials, or the application of advanced technologies.
2.4.3. Consideration of Global Needs and Challenges: The SDC encourages participants to consider global needs and challenges in their architectural proposals. The entry should go beyond personal interests and aim to make a positive contribution to the world.
2.4.4. The entry should make a contribution towards attaining any, some, or all of the United Nations global development blueprint or roadmap.
Submission Requirements
1. Presentation board PDF file
One (1) A1 (594mm x 840mm) size of board – Portrait format layout containing any important drawings or details that the student wishes to put including (but not limited to) written concepts, site development, plan, floor plan/s, elevation/s section/s, interior perspective/s, exterior perspective/s. The electronic file should be in PDF format based on a jpeg output with 300 dpi minimum resolution.
2. PDF file of text
PDF file of text, identifying the submitting ARCASIA member institute, institute’s contact person and address, student’s name, Degree Program name, and duration (such as 5-year B. Arch, B.S. Arch. or M. Arch), name of department & university, postal address, e-mail address & contact details.
3. Anonymity of submission
This is an anonymous award selection. Anonymity should appear in all submission materials, except item C.2 above. The participant making the submission must have legal rights and copyrights of all the submission materials. No identification marks shall appear on the graphic layout. The participant(s) shall keep his/ her/their entry confidential and take necessary steps to ensure it is not disclosed to any third parties throughout the process until the public announcement of results.
4. The entry must be presented in the English language
How to Apply
1. Students must submit their work to the Architecture Institute of their respective countries to be nominated by the Institute to SDC 2025.
2. Submission for 3 national winners’ work to SDC 2025: sdc2025.arcasia@gmail.com
Entry Fee:
None
Location:
Incheon, Korea
Timeline:
Application Deadline: 10 June 2025
Website Link: https://arcasia.org/awards/arcasia-students-design-competition-2025/
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