AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROTOTYPE
Designing Dignified Housing that is Truly Affordable
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CHALLENGE
Design Intent & Objective
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Introduction
Affordable housing remains one of the most critical challenges faced by rapidly urbanizing societies. While the demand for housing continues to grow, affordability often comes at the cost of dignity, quality, and social well-being.
The Affordable Housing Prototype competition invites architects, designers, and planners to rethink housing for low- and middle-income communities—creating solutions that are economically viable, socially inclusive, and spatially dignified. Participants are challenged to design a replicable housing prototype that balances cost efficiency with livability, adaptability, and long-term sustainability.
Objective
The objective of this competition is to explore innovative housing prototypes that:
Are genuinely affordable to build, maintain, and replicate
Provide dignified living conditions with adequate light, ventilation, privacy, and community interaction
Respond to local climate, culture, and construction methods
Can be scaled across urban, peri-urban, or rural contexts
Participants must demonstrate how affordability can coexist with architectural quality and human-centered design.
The Building Program
Participants are free to define the scale; however, the proposal must include:
Housing Units
Mix of 1BHK / 2BHK units or flexible modular units
Typical unit size: 30–60 sq.m
Efficient layout with minimal circulation waste
Shared & Community Spaces
Common courtyards or interaction zones
Shared utility areas (laundry, storage, sanitation if applicable)
Children’s play areas / informal gathering spaces
Support Infrastructure
Basic services: water, sanitation, waste management
Provision for incremental growth or expansion
Climate-responsive design strategies
Site
Hypothetical site of 1–2 hectares
Location: Urban edge, peri-urban, or small-town context
Flat or gently contoured land
Site conditions may be assumed by participants but must be clearly explained
Participants should demonstrate how the prototype can adapt to different sites and densities.
Recognition
Rewards for architectural excellence
The final prize amounts depend on the total number of entries received. Should the competition not achieve the final registration target, the cash prizes may be adjusted accordingly.
TOP 3 WINNERS
Publication | Certificate of Recognition | Jury Report | Interview |
Free Memberships in architectural communities, forums, or libraries.
& more
HONOURABLE MENTION X 5
Publication | Certificate of Recognition
SPECIAL MENTION X 1
Publication | Certificate of Recognition
SHORTLISTED ENTRIES X 30
Name & project title listed in competition results | Certificate of Participation
*The final prize amounts depend on the total number of entries received. Should the competition not achieve the final registration target, the cash prizes may be adjusted accordingly.
Timeline
Key dates for architectural design challenge
Navigate the critical milestones of our global architectural competition. Each date marks a crucial step in your design journey.
18 July 2026
Registration
Final registration deadline for architects and designers worldwide.
Register before the deadline.
27 July 2026
Submission
Final deadline for submitting groundbreaking architectural proposals.
Internal - External
Review
Expert panel begins comprehensive evaluation of submitted design concepts.
3 October 2026
Results
Winners will be announced, celebrating innovation in architectural design.
All deadlines are 11:59 PM UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
Fees
Transparent registration pricing for global participants
Our registration fees are designed to be accessible for architects and designers at all stages of their careers. We offer flexible payment options to support creative talent.
Early Bird
Start Date: 1st January 2026
End Date: 23rd January 2026
Fees: $ 14
Standard Registration 1
Start Date: 24th January 2026
End Date: 9th February 2026
Fees: $ 17
Standard Registration 2
Start Date: 10th February 2026
End Date: 23rd February 2026
Fees: $ 20
Standard Registration 3
Start Date: 24th February 2026
End Date: 9th March 2026
Fees: $ 24
Standard Registration 4
Start Date: 10th March 2026
End Date: 23rd March 2026
Fees: $ 27
Standard Registration 5
Start Date: 24th March 2026
End Date: 9th April 2026
Fees: $ 30
Standard Registration 6
Start Date: 10th April 2026
End Date: 23rd April 2026
Fees: $ 34
Standard Registration 7
Start Date: 24th April 2026
End Date: 9th May 2026
Fees: $ 37
Standard Registration 8
Start Date: 10th May 2026
End Date: 23rd May 2026
Fees: $ 40
Standard Registration 9
Start Date: 24th May 2026
End Date: 9th June 2026
Fees: $ 44
Standard Registration 10
Start Date: 10th June 2026
End Date: 23rd June 2026
Fees: $ 47
Late Registrations
Start Date: 24th June 2026
End Date: 18th July 2026
Fees: $ 54
Institutions
Special discounts for academic design programs
We believe in supporting educational institutions that nurture architectural talent. Our university discount program encourages collective participation and innovation.
Eligibility
Available to students enrolled in accredited architecture or design programs with valid ID.
Individual Discount
Reduced entry fee for verified student participants.
Group Discount
Special rates for university students - with 5 or more regsitrations .
University Partnership
Institutions can collaborate for extended benefits and recognition.
Contact us to receive university discounts. Send us a request from your university email address along with basic information about yourself and your university/school. Attach your university ID cards to the email.
Registration & Submission
Navigate the registration & submission
process with ease
A clear, straightforward path from registration to final design submission. We've simplified the process to let your creativity shine.
1. Pay the Registration Fee
2. Sign in your Archiol Account.
3. Access will be provided in 24 hours. (Dropdown menu near profile picture.)
4. Register & Submit anytime before deadline
FAQs
Get clarity on competition details. Quick answers to common competition questions.
How can I create my participation code?
Complete the registration form available under the profile icon in the top-right corner (dropdown menu). After registering, you can generate your participation code. Please refer to the video guide for assistance.
Should the participation code be placed on the sheets?
No, the participation code should not appear on the sheets. Instead, use it to name the submission file.
Should each sheet be numbered to indicate the display order?
Yes, each sheet should be numbered sequentially to indicate the order in which they should be viewed.
What is the official language for Archiol competitions?
The official language for all Archiol competitions is English. All submissions, including written descriptions, presentations, and supporting documents, must be in English.
Can I get a refund if I withdraw my participation?
Unfortunately, registration fees are non-refundable once paid.
Can I modify my submission after uploading it?
Yes, modifications are allowed until the submission deadline. After the deadline, submissions are final and cannot be altered.
How do I Register and Submit my design?
Please refer to the registration and submission video guide for step-by-step instructions.
Can I register for multiple competitions?
Absolutely! You can register for as many competitions as you like, as long as you meet the deadlines and requirements for each.
Can I register as a team?
Yes, you can register either as an individual or as a team. For team registrations, only one member is required to complete the registration form and make the payment on behalf of the group. Each team can include up to a maximum of 4 members.
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