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International Design Competition

SCHOOLS AS ANCHORS OF COMMUNITY

Redefining Educational Spaces for Social Interaction

Introduction

As urban environments continue to expand and evolve, the demand for multifunctional spaces that foster community engagement and enhance social interaction has reached a critical juncture. Schools, traditionally viewed as solitary educational institutions, possess immense potential to transform into dynamic community hubs that serve diverse populations. This competition invites participants to rethink the conventional role of schools, envisioning them as vibrant centers for cultural, social, and recreational activities that actively engage their surrounding neighborhoods.


In today's world, where community cohesion and social connectivity are increasingly challenged, the reimagining of schools as multi-use spaces is both timely and essential. By integrating educational facilities with community functions, schools can become catalysts for collective well-being, inclusivity, and resilience. These multifunctional spaces can host various activities—from cultural events and workshops to recreational sports and health services—creating a platform for lifelong learning and interaction across different age groups and backgrounds.


Participants are encouraged to explore innovative design strategies that emphasize accessibility, sustainability, and adaptability. Proposals should consider how to seamlessly integrate diverse community functions within the educational framework, ensuring that schools are not only places for learning but also thriving centers that respond to the needs and aspirations of their communities. The competition aims to inspire visionary architectural solutions that embrace this dual role, ultimately contributing to stronger, more connected neighborhoods where everyone feels welcome and valued.


Objective

The primary objective of this competition is to develop innovative architectural proposals that reimagine schools as multifunctional community hubs, which cater to the diverse needs of their neighborhoods. Participants are tasked with creating designs that transform the traditional school model, integrating educational spaces with facilities that promote cultural, social, and recreational activities. By doing so, the competition aims to highlight the importance of schools as accessible and inclusive centers of community engagement.


In this context, the design should not only focus on the physical structure but also consider how the spaces will be utilized by different community members. Proposals should emphasize adaptability, ensuring that the facilities can accommodate various events and activities throughout the year. By fostering an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and connection, the designs will help build a sense of belonging and community pride.


Furthermore, the competition seeks to explore sustainable design practices that can be integrated into school buildings. This includes implementing eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and green spaces that enhance both the educational experience and the surrounding environment. Ultimately, the goal is to create schools that serve as dynamic, resilient spaces, enhancing the quality of life for all community members.


Key Goals:

  • Reimagine the Role of Schools: Transform schools into vibrant community hubs that serve as centers for social, cultural, and recreational activities.

  • Promote Inclusivity: Design spaces that are accessible and welcoming to all community members, regardless of age or background.

  • Encourage Community Engagement: Create multifunctional areas that facilitate interactions, collaborations, and a sense of belonging among residents.

  • Enhance Adaptability: Ensure designs can accommodate a variety of uses and events throughout the year, fostering flexibility in space utilization.

  • Integrate Sustainable Practices: Incorporate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and green spaces to promote environmental stewardship.

  • Strengthen Community Identity: Design buildings that reflect and celebrate the unique characteristics of the surrounding neighborhood, fostering local pride.

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 THREE

PRIZE MONEY (upto ₹1,50,000) | PUBLICATION | CERTIFICATE | INTERVIEW

ARCHIOL INTERNAL JURY SPECIAL MENTION

PUBLICATION  |  CERTIFICATE

5  HONOURABLE MENTIONS 

PUBLICATION  |  CERTIFICATE

30 SHORTLISTED ENTRIES

CERTIFICATE

*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

Monday, 5 January 2026

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Thursday, 15 January 2026

RESULT ANNOUNCEMENT

Wednesday, 15 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

Standard Entry 1

Start Date: 01 Jun 2025

End Date: 14 Jun 2025

Fees: $50

Standard Entry 2

Start Date: 15 Jun 2025

End Date: 29 Jun 2025

Fees: $50

Standard Entry 3

Start Date: 30 Jun 2025

End Date: 14 Jul 2025

Fees: $54

Standard Entry 4

Start Date: 15 Jul 2025

End Date: 30 Jul 2025

Fees: $58

Regular Entry 1

Start Date: 31 Jul 2025

End Date: 14 Aug 2025

Fees: $61

Regular Entry 2

Start Date: 15 Aug 2025

End Date: 30 Aug 2025

Fees: $65

Regular Entry 3

Start Date: 31 Aug 2025

End Date: 14 Sep 2025

Fees: $68

Regular Entry 4

Start Date: 15 Sept 2025

End Date: 29 Sep 2025

Fees: $71

Classic Entry 1

Start Date: 30 Sept 2025

End Date: 14 Oct 2025

Fees: $75

Classic Entry 2

Start Date: 15 Oct 2025

End Date: 30 Oct 2025

Fees: $78

Classic Entry 3

Start Date: 31 Oct 2025

End Date: 14 Nov 2025

Fees: $82

Priority Entry 1

Start Date: 15 Nov 2025

End Date: 30 Nov 2025

Fees: $85

Priority Entry 2

Start Date: 31 Nov 2025

End Date: 14 Dec 2025

Fees: $87

Last Call

Start Date: 15 Dec 2025

End Date: Registration Deadline

Fees: $91

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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