ARCASIA Students’ Design Competition (SDC) 2025
Rules & Conditions
A. Competition schedule
Announcement of Competition: 10 March, 2025
Submission Closes(submission to Member Institutes): 10 June, 2025
Submission of 3 Finalists from each Member Institutes to KIRA: 30 June, 2025
Final judging and notification of the finalists: 30 July, 2025
Award Ceremony: 10 September, 2025 during ACA 21
B. Competition Theme: Plug-in Architecture for a Better Tomorrow
2025: A pivotal year. The promise of “a better tomorrow,” the theme of the 21st Asian Congress of Architects (ACA
21) 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 unprec-
edented 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 mobil-
ity. 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, re-
gardless 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 meth-
ods are welcome, provided they explore the potential of “plug-in architecture” to create better communities across
diverse spaces and contexts.
C. Submission requirement
All entries for submission must include the following:
C.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.
ARCASIA Students’ Design Competition (SDC) 2025
Rules & Conditions
C.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 5year B. Arch, B.S. Arch. or M. Arch), name of depart-
ment & university, postal address, e-mail address & contact details.
C.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 con-
fidential and take necessary steps to ensure it is not disclosed to any third parties throughout the process until the
public announcement of results.
C.4. The entry must be presented in the English language
D. ARCASIA Students’ Design Competition Guideline 2025
D.1. The objectives of the Students’ Design Competition are as follows:
D.1.1. To Cultivate Cultural Appreciation: The Students Competition aims to inspire Asian architectural stu-
dents 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.
D.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.
D.1.3. To Champion Design Excellence: The Students Design Competition aims to nurture creativity and excel-
lence 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.
D.2. Competition Details
D.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 Com-
mittee for the final judging.
D.2.2. The entries should be a product of students currently pursuing their first professional degree in architec-
ture, 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.
ARCASIA Students’ Design Competition (SDC) 2025
Rules & Conditions
D.2.3. Individual or group work as an entry is allowed.
D.2.4. The entry must have any or all of the following characteristics:
D.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.
D.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.
D.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.
D.2.4.4. The entry should make a contribution towards attaining any, some, or all of the United Nations
global development blueprint or roadmap.
E. Convenor and Jury
E.1 Convenor
● Ar, Suhyun Yim from Korea, member of International Relations Committee, KIRA
E.2 Jury
● Ar, Jayampathy Herath from Sri Lanka, representative from ARCASIA Zone A
● Ar. Chutayaves Sinthuphan from Thailand, representative from ARCASIA Zone B
● Ar. Francesco Rossini from Hong Kong, representative from ARCASIA Zone C
● Ar. Jonathan Manalad, Chairman of ARCASIA ACAE(Head Juror)
● Ar. Chan Hui Min, director of DP architect(ARCASIA President’s Nominee)
F. Submission
F.1. Students must submit their work to the Architecture Institute of their respective countries to be nominated by
the Institute to SDC 2025.
F.2. Submission for 3 national winners’ work to SDC 2025: [email protected]
