Registration Deadline: Aug 27, 2025; Submission Deadline: Aug 27, 2025
Each year a unique project is created to challenge our student design-build competitors in the DBIA National Design-Build Student Competition. This year’s project will be no different.
This three-phase competition gives teams from colleges and universities the chance to respond to a Request for Qualifications (the first phase) and a Request for Proposals (the second phase). In phase three, the top three teams after the RFP phase will present their proposals to a panel of industry leaders at the 2025 Design-Build Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, NV, this November. The competition is impressive and provides an incredible opportunity for young design-builders.
This year’s competition expands on last year’s challenge, which focused on the initial phase one procurement of a major airport expansion, including a new main terminal and airside expansion with an automated people mover (APM). That project was delivered using a fixed-fee, variable scope design-build approach. The 2025 competition takes the next step, challenging student teams to complete the terminal by adding additional gates and concessions on each side of the new main terminal building using Progressive Design-Build (PDB).
The National Design-Build Student Competition provides young design-builders the opportunity to create a project as a team, present it to some of the industry’s leading pros and earn national recognition for their good work. DBIA’s student competition provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to meet and impress design-build industry leaders one-on-one.
All students from across architectural and built environment education (or beyond!) are welcome to participate! The competition looks to develop collective, creative, buildable responses that envision a temporary, mobile structure that can be built and transported by students. The headquarters should encourage and facilitate protest, gathering, knowledge sharing, empowerment and inclusivity, supporting users of all abilities to facilitate climate action and increase climate literacy in an interactive way!
Sign ups are now open, and you can sign up individually or in teams of up to four. Check out this link to register and find out more!
Registration Deadline: Mar 7, 2025; Submission Deadline: Mar 7, 2025
As the need for sustainable alternatives to building anew becomes increasingly urgent, the AR New into Old awards celebrate architectural adaptations and remodelings that welcome new contemporary uses to older buildings.
These awards speak of what we inherit and preserve, why we assemble and transform, and how the spaces we appropriate can be reimagined to suggest that the world could be different.
Launched in 2017, the awards recognise imaginative appropriations of structures, from innovative insertions to ambitious adaptations, that offer buildings a new lease of life.
Past winners include SO-IL and Freaks Architecture’s adaptation of a former glass factory into a cultural centre in France (2023) and ZAV Architects’ conversion of a 1930s house into a film studio in Iran (2021).
Entries for 2025’s awards close on Friday 7 March 2025.
Archisource presents the Drawing of the Year Awards 2025, the sixth annual, creative imagery Awards – free to enter and open to all! The Awards are the ultimate accolade in visual representation across architecture, art and design in collaboration with D5 Render and HP. There is over £125,000 GBP ($150,000 USD) in prizes to be
Premise: Libraries are vital community resources, providing access to information, culture, and education. However, traditional library designs often present significant barriers for people with disabilities. This competition challenges participants to rethink library design from the ground up, prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity for users with a wide range of disabilities. The aim is to create a welcoming and empowering space that facilitates exploration, learning, and social interaction for everyone, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities. The design should go beyond simply meeting accessibility codes and strive to create a truly inclusive and enriching experience for all users. Consider how the design can foster a sense of belonging and community for disabled individuals.
Objective: Design a state-of-the-art library specifically tailored to the needs of individuals with various disabilities, fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all users. The design should seamlessly integrate assistive technologies and incorporate universal design principles. Key objectives include ensuring barrier-free access throughout the building, providing adaptable spaces for different needs and preferences, and creating a sensory-rich environment that caters to diverse sensory profiles. The library should offer a comprehensive collection of accessible materials, including braille books, audiobooks, and large-print resources. Furthermore, the design should promote social interaction and create opportunities for collaboration and community building among disabled users. The space should be flexible and adaptable to accommodate a wide range of activities and programs, encouraging lifelong learning and community engagement.
Site: The competition site is open to the designer’s interpretation, allowing for maximum creativity and flexibility in design solutions. Participants are encouraged to envision the library within a community setting, considering factors like access to public transportation and proximity to other essential services. While the specific size and location of the site are not prescribed, the proposed library should be of sufficient size to accommodate a diverse range of library functions, including individual study areas, group collaboration spaces, a dedicated children’s area, and a technology center. A suggested area between 5,000 and 20,000 square feet is recommended to ensure adequate space for these functions, but designs exceeding or slightly falling short of this range will also be considered. The site selection should be justified in the design proposal, demonstrating how the chosen location contributes to the accessibility and inclusivity of the library.
Constraints: The primary constraint of this competition is the requirement to adhere to and surpass standard accessibility guidelines and regulations. The design must be fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or equivalent accessibility standards applicable in the chosen location. Beyond simply meeting these minimum requirements, the design should strive to create a truly inclusive environment that anticipates and addresses the diverse needs of disabled users. Budget considerations should be acknowledged, though precise cost limitations are not explicitly defined for this stage. Participants are encouraged to demonstrate cost-effectiveness in their design choices, prioritizing sustainable and durable materials. The design should also consider the environmental impact of the building, incorporating sustainable design principles where possible. Finally, the design should be aesthetically pleasing and welcoming, promoting a sense of comfort and belonging for all users.
Each masterpiece begins with your dream, polished by your skills and hard work, fuelled by your steadfast belief in your power, and nurtured by your inspiration and desire to create a better future. IADA is here to recognize your genius, celebrate your dedication, reward your tireless journey, and inspire others with your vision and creativity. We will share your story of challenge and success with the world.
This year, our esteemed Jury Board has been enhanced with the brightest professionals, ready to uncover the stories behind your projects and select the best among them. Meet our new Jury members:
Frederick Rickmann (DNgroup, STEENSSEN Aps, DNDC, AFR, Thinking Urbans)
Yuting Zhang (Studio RE+N)
Daryl Villanueva (Bandit9 Motors)
Jiaru Lin (KMC Corp)
Larry Lim (Anchor Agency)
Alberto Dias Ribeiro (A2OFFICE)
Gloria Cabral (STUDIO 4.4)
Serhii Makhno (Makhno Studio)
Xiaobi (Iris) Pan (Amazon)
Paul Wiseman (The Wiseman Group)
IADA 2025 invites you to join a global stage where passion meets recognition. Whether you are a student, creator, professional, constructor, web designer, fashion designer, artist, or anyone who dares to dream and turn those dreams into reality, you are welcome here.
Prizes:
Certificate of Achievement
Personalized Award Logo
Winner’s personalized page
Iconic IADA Trophy
Our magnificent trophy can go to each winner.
Winner’s Banner Kit
Social Media publication
Media-Partner publication
Studio’s Spotlight
A personalized studio card with contact information will be featured on each winner’s page.
Take advantage of early registration with discounted pricing, enter by the Early Bird Registration Deadline (6th December 2024), and secure your place among the world’s most inspiring designers.
