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International Design Competition

REDEFINING URBAN NECESSITIES

A Call for Public Restroom Innovation

Introduction

Urban spaces represent the heartbeat of modern society, continually evolving to cater to the diverse and dynamic needs of their inhabitants. As cities grow and develop, one of the most critical yet often overlooked necessities is the provision of accessible and hygienic public restrooms. These facilities are essential for ensuring public health, enhancing the overall urban experience, and supporting the mobility of all community members.


This competition invites architects, designers, and urban planners to reimagine public toilet facilities as vital components of the urban infrastructure. The challenge is to develop innovative designs that not only fulfill the functional requirements of cleanliness and accessibility but also contribute positively to the aesthetic and social landscape of the city.


Participants are encouraged to explore creative solutions that seamlessly integrate these facilities into various urban contexts—whether in bustling city centers, tranquil parks, or transit hubs—while addressing crucial factors such as hygiene, sustainability, and inclusivity. By fostering a holistic approach, this competition aims to challenge traditional notions of public restrooms, encouraging designs that promote user comfort, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.


Through this endeavor, we hope to inspire transformative ideas that enhance the quality of urban life, making public restrooms not just functional spaces, but landmarks of civic pride and innovation.



Objective

The primary objective of this competition is to challenge participants to design public toilet facilities that effectively meet the diverse needs of urban populations while integrating seamlessly into the fabric of the city. In a world where urban environments are becoming increasingly crowded and complex, the necessity for well-designed, accessible restrooms is paramount. This competition aims to elevate the role of public toilets from mere functional spaces to essential urban amenities that enhance community well-being and environmental sustainability.


Participants are invited to explore innovative solutions that prioritize not only hygiene and accessibility but also the aesthetic qualities of these facilities. The design should promote inclusivity, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of age, ability, or gender—feel welcome and safe. Additionally, the incorporation of sustainable practices and materials will be a crucial aspect of the design, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship and resilience in urban design.


By addressing these challenges, the competition seeks to foster designs that can transform public restrooms into symbols of urban innovation and care, enriching the user experience and contributing positively to the surrounding community.


Key Goals:

  • Functionality: Develop restroom designs that ensure hygiene, accessibility, and ease of maintenance.

  • Aesthetic Integration: Create visually appealing facilities that enhance the surrounding urban landscape.

  • Inclusivity: Ensure designs accommodate individuals of all ages, abilities, and genders.

  • Sustainability: Integrate eco-friendly materials and practices to promote environmental responsibility.

  • Community Engagement: Encourage designs that foster social interaction and reflect the cultural identity of the local area.

  • Innovative Technology: Explore the use of smart technologies for improved functionality and user experience.

Detailed Competition Brief

The brief can be downloaded as often as required. It contains all the information about this competition; no additional information will be provided after registration.

BRIEF & SUBMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Prizes & Recognition

Recognition is the key to success for any design professional. Archiol is providing an opportunity to showcase your creativity at the global level. This opportunity is open to all.

TOP 3 WINNERS


Cash Prize (upto ₹1,50,000) | 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

*Prize amounts are dependent on the number of entries received. If the competition does not reach the final stage of registration, the prize money may be adjusted—either increased or decreased—based on the total number of participants.

Timeline

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Thursday, 8 January 2026

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Sunday, 18 January 2026

RESULT ANNOUNCEMENT

Saturday, 18 April 2026

All deadlines are 11:59 PM  UTC  (Coordinated Universal Time)

Competition Question & Answer

TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE COMPETITION CLICK BELOW.

Registration Fees Details

Classic Entry 2

Start Date: 13 Oct 2025

End Date: 30 Oct 2025

Fees: $50

Classic Entry 3

Start Date: 31 Oct 2025

End Date: 14 Nov 2025

Fees: $67

Priority Entry 1

Start Date: 15 Nov 2025

End Date: 30 Nov 2025

Fees: $70

Priority Entry 2

Start Date: 31 Nov 2025

End Date: 14 Dec 2025

Fees: $72

Last Call

Start Date: 15 Dec 2025

End Date: Registration Deadline

Fees: $75

UNIVERSITY DISCOUNTS

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.

DISCOUNT TIERS

5% Discount     : Available for university student (individual or team participants).

10% Discount   : Available for universities that register 10 individual or team participants.

20% Discount   : Available for universities that register 20 individual or team participants.

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1. Pay the Registration Fees

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2. Sign in your Archiol Account

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3. Access in 24 hours

(dropdown menu beside profile picture)

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4. Register & Submit any time before the deadines

Register Now

If you're unable to make a payment using the above link, please use PayPal by clicking the link below:

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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: 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.

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