Brief
Timeline
Introduction
As urban spaces continue to swell with population growth and development, the need for innovative architectural solutions has never been more pressing. The "Underground Hotel" competition seeks to inspire architects and designers to rethink the traditional paradigms of hospitality by envisioning a luxurious and functional hotel nestled beneath the earth’s surface.
This competition aims to challenge and expand our understanding of space, light, and sustainability through the unique potential of subterranean environments. By delving underground, participants will explore the inherent benefits of such spaces, including natural thermal insulation, reduced noise pollution, and the opportunity to preserve above-ground landscapes while minimizing the impact on local ecosystems.
The "Underground Hotel" is not merely a structure; it is a concept that harmonizes with its natural surroundings, drawing on the beauty and mystery of the earth. Participants are invited to design a hotel experience that enhances guest well-being, fosters connection with the environment, and incorporates innovative features that prioritize sustainability.
In this quest for the extraordinary, designers are encouraged to push the boundaries of creativity, creating spaces that evoke wonder and serenity while offering the highest levels of comfort and luxury. The challenge lies not just in the architectural design but in crafting a holistic guest experience that seamlessly integrates architecture, nature, and technology. By participating in this competition, designers will have the opportunity to contribute to a new narrative in hospitality—one that celebrates the depth of our planet while redefining what it means to stay away from home.
Objective
The primary objective of the "Underground Hotel" competition is to inspire architects and designers to explore innovative design solutions that elevate the concept of hospitality in subterranean environments. This competition challenges participants to envision a luxurious hotel experience that harmoniously integrates with its natural surroundings while redefining conventional notions of space and ambiance.
By focusing on underground architecture, the competition aims to highlight the unique opportunities presented by such spaces, including enhanced energy efficiency, natural temperature regulation, and a distinct sense of tranquility. Participants are encouraged to think beyond traditional architectural boundaries, crafting designs that not only provide exceptional comfort and luxury but also foster a deep connection with nature.
Ultimately, this competition seeks to cultivate a new paradigm in hospitality design—one that prioritizes sustainability, environmental awareness, and the well-being of guests. Through this exploration of subterranean architecture, we aim to uncover innovative solutions that will contribute to the future of urban living and redefine the guest experience.
Key Goals
Innovative Design: Encourage creative architectural solutions that leverage the unique aspects of underground spaces.
Sustainability: Promote environmentally friendly practices, including energy efficiency and the use of sustainable materials.
Guest Experience: Enhance comfort and well-being through thoughtful design, providing an exceptional and memorable stay.
Integration with Nature: Harmonize the hotel design with its natural surroundings, preserving local ecosystems and landscapes.
Exploration of Space: Challenge conventional perceptions of space and light within subterranean environments.
Future-Forward Thinking: Contribute to the dialogue on the future of urban hospitality and sustainable living.
The Building Program
The "Underground Hotel" should be thoughtfully designed to accommodate a diverse range of functions and amenities that enhance the guest experience while maximizing the unique characteristics of subterranean architecture. The following key components should be included in the building program:
Guest Rooms
Lobby and Reception Area
Common Areas
Dining Facilities
Wellness Center
Event Spaces
Staff Areas
Access Points and Circulation
Sustainability Features
This building program aims to create a harmonious and luxurious underground hotel that offers a unique guest experience while embracing sustainable practices and the beauty of the natural environment. Participants are encouraged to innovate within this framework, adapting the program to fit their unique vision for the underground hotel.
Site
For the "Underground Hotel" competition, participants are required to select a site that serves as the foundation for their architectural vision. The chosen location should provide a unique context that enhances the overall concept of the underground hotel while considering both the environmental and experiential aspects of the design.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a core element of the "Underground Hotel" competition, and participants are expected to incorporate environmentally responsible practices throughout their designs.
Fees
Early Bird
Start Date: 01 Jan 2025
End Date: 15 Jan 2025
Fees: ₹1,500 ($17.50)
Super Saver 1
Start Date: 16 Jan 2025
End Date: 31 Jan 2025
Fees: ₹2,100 ($24.50)
Super Saver 2
Start Date: 01 Feb 2025
End Date: 15 Feb 2025
Fees: ₹2200 ($26.51)
Advanced Saver 1
Start Date: 16 Feb 2025
End Date: 28 Feb 2025
Fees: ₹2550 ($30.72)
Advanced Saver 2
Start Date: 01 Mar 2025
End Date: 15 Mar 2025
Fees: ₹2900 ($34.94)
Advanced Saver 3
Start Date: 16 Mar 2025
End Date: 31 Mar 2025
Fees: ₹3250 ($39.16)
Smart Saver 1
Start Date: 01 Apr 2025
End Date: 15 Apr 2025
Fees: ₹3600 ($43.37)
Smart Saver 2
Start Date: 16 Apr 2025
End Date: 30 Apr 2025
Fees: ₹3950 ($47.59)
Budget Entry 1
Start Date: 01 May 2025
End Date: 15 May 2025
Fees: ₹4300 ($51.81)
Budget Entry 2
Start Date: 16 May 2025
End Date: 31 May 2025
Fees: ₹4650 ($56.02)
Standard Entry 1
Start Date: 01 Jun 2025
End Date: 15 Jun 2025
Fees: ₹5000 ($60.24)
Standard Entry 2
Start Date: 16 Jun 2025
End Date: 30 Jun 2025
Fees: ₹5350 ($64.46)
Standard Entry 3
Start Date: 01 Jul 2025
End Date: 15 Jul 2025
Fees: ₹5700 ($68.67)
Standard Entry 4
Start Date: 16 Jul 2025
End Date: 31 Jul 2025
Fees: ₹6050 ($72.89)
Regular Entry 1
Start Date: 01 Aug 2025
End Date: 15 Aug 2025
Fees: ₹6400 ($77.11)
Regular Entry 2
Start Date: 16 Aug 2025
End Date: 31 Aug 2025
Fees: ₹6750 ($81.33)
Regular Entry 3
Start Date: 01 Sep 2025
End Date: 15 Sep 2025
Fees: ₹7100 ($85.54)
Regular Entry 4
Start Date: 16 Sept 2025
End Date: 30 Sep 2025
Fees: ₹7450 ($89.76)
Classic Entry 1
Start Date: 01 Oct 2025
End Date: 15 Oct 2025
Fees: ₹7800 ($93.98)
Classic Entry 2
Start Date: 16 Oct 2025
End Date: 31 Oct 2025
Fees: ₹8150 ($98.19)
Classic Entry 3
Start Date: 01 Nov 2025
End Date: 15 Nov 2025
Fees: ₹8500 ($102.41)
Priority Entry 1
Start Date: 16 Nov 2025
End Date: 30 Nov 2025
Fees: ₹8850 ($106.63)
Priority Entry 2
Start Date: 01 Dec 2025
End Date: 15 Dec 2025
Fees: ₹9200 ($110.84)
Last Call
Start Date: 15 Dec 2025
End Date: Registration Deadline
Fees: ₹9500 ($114.46)
Discounts
Our conceptual design competition is excited to announce exclusive discounts for university students. These discounts are intended to promote extensive participation and nurture a spirit of creativity and innovation among students. We believe that by providing these incentives, we can create a dynamic and inspiring environment for young designers to thrive. Here are the details of the discounts available based on the number of individual or team participants registered from a single university:
DISCOUNT TIERS
5% Discount : Available for universities that register 10 individual or team participants.
10% Discount : Available for universities that register 20 individual or team participants.
30% Discount : Available for universities that register 40 individual or team participants.
Prizes
Grand Prize
₹ 1,30,000 | E-CERTIFICATE | INTERVIEW | PUBLICATION
First Prize Winner
₹ 60,000 | E-CERTIFICATE | INTERVIEW | PUBLICATION
Runner Up X 2
₹ 20,000 | E-CERTIFICATE | PUBLICATION
Special Mention X 2
₹ 10,000 | E-CERTIFICATE | PUBLICATION
Editor's Choice X 1
₹ 10,000 | E-CERTIFICATE | PUBLICATION
*Prizes are subject to number of entries received, if we don't receive reach the final stage of registration the prizes money slightly change - it can get higher or lower depending on the number of registrations.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
11 January 2026
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
21 January 2026
RESULT ANNOUNCEMENT
21 April 2026
+ Faq's
How can I create my participation code?
Complete the registration form, which can be accessed via the dropdown menu under the profile icon in the top-right corner. Once registered, you can create your participation code.
Is the participation code the same as the Order Number?
No, the participation code is not the same as the Order Number. The participation code is created during the registration process and should be included in the file name.
What size should the sheets be?
The sheet size is flexible for the current competition.
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 PDF.
Does the Order Number need to appear on the sheets?
No, the Order Number does not need to appear on the sheets.
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.
How to apply for discounts?
Please click the link below for discount guide:
Can I get a refund if I withdraw my participation?
Unfortunately, registration fees are non-refundable once paid.
Why do the fees increase with each stage?
Fees increase as the competition progresses to encourage early participation and ensure adequate planning for prizes and operations.
Do I need to pay additional fees after registering?
No, you only pay once during registration. There are no additional fees for participation or submission.
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.
+ Media Partners