SMART HOUSING FOR AGEING POPULATION
Home That Supports Life’s Next Chapter
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CHALLENGE
Design Intent & Objective
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Introduction
The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, creating an urgent need for housing that goes beyond shelter—homes that actively support health, independence, dignity, and social connection. Smart Housing for Aging Population challenges designers to rethink residential environments for older adults by integrating architecture, technology, and human-centered design.
This competition invites innovative solutions that respond to physical, emotional, and cognitive needs while enabling aging-in-place, adaptability, and a high quality of life.
Objective
The objective of the competition is to design a smart, inclusive, and future-ready housing model for the aging population that:
Promotes independence and safety
Supports physical and mental well-being
Adapts to changing abilities over time
Integrates smart technologies seamlessly
Encourages social interaction and community living
Participants are encouraged to balance empathy, innovation, sustainability, and practicality.
The Building Program
Participants may propose individual units, shared housing, or a small residential community. The program may include (but is not limited to):
Barrier-free residential units (1BHK / studio / flexible layouts)
Smart home systems (health monitoring, automation, alerts, lighting, climate control)
Assisted living or caregiver support spaces
Common social areas (lounges, activity rooms, gardens)
Healthcare or wellness spaces (consultation, therapy, exercise)
Outdoor accessible spaces (walking paths, courtyards)
Service areas (storage, maintenance, staff facilities)
Designs should prioritize universal design, flexibility, and ease of use.
Site
The site is open-ended. Participants may choose any urban, suburban, or semi-rural context worldwide.
However, the proposal should clearly justify:
Site selection and surroundings
Accessibility to healthcare, transport, and community services
Climate responsiveness and environmental context
Hypothetical sites are acceptable with clearly stated assumptions.
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.
6 October 2026
Registration
Final registration deadline for architects and designers worldwide.
Register before the deadline.
15 October 2026
Submission
Final deadline for submitting groundbreaking architectural proposals.
Internal - External
Review
Expert panel begins comprehensive evaluation of submitted design concepts.
21 December 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: 18th January 2026
Fees: $ 17
Standard Registration 1
Start Date: 19th January 2026
End Date: 3rd February 2026
Fees: $ 19
Standard Registration 2
Start Date: 4th February 2026
End Date: 18th February 2026
Fees: $ 21
Standard Registration 3
Start Date: 19th February 2026
End Date: 3rd March 2026
Fees: $ 23
Standard Registration 4
Start Date: 4th March 2026
End Date: 18th March 2026
Fees: $ 25
Standard Registration 5
Start Date: 19th March 2026
End Date: 3rd April 2026
Fees: $ 27
Standard Registration 6
Start Date: 4th April 2026
End Date: 18th April 2026
Fees: $ 29
Standard Registration 7
Start Date: 19th April 2026
End Date: 3rd May 2026
Fees: $ 31
Standard Registration 8
Start Date: 4th May 2026
End Date: 18th May 2026
Fees: $ 33
Standard Registration 9
Start Date: 19th May 2026
End Date: 3rd June 2026
Fees: $ 35
Standard Registration 10
Start Date: 4th June 2026
End Date: 18th June 2026
Fees: $ 37
Standard Registration 11
Start Date: 19th June 2026
End Date: 3rd July 2026
Fees: $ 39
Standard Registration 12
Start Date: 4th July 2026
End Date: 18th July 2026
Fees: $ 41
Standard Registration 13
Start Date: 19th July 2026
End Date: 3rd August 2026
Fees: $ 43
Standard Registration 14
Start Date: 4th August 2026
End Date: 18th August 2026
Fees: $ 45
Standard Registration 15
Start Date: 19th August 2026
End Date: 3rd September 2026
Fees: $ 47
Standard Registration 16
Start Date: 4th September 2026
End Date: 18th September 2026
Fees: $ 49
Late Registrations
Start Date: 19th September 2026
End Date: 6th October 2026
Fees: $ 50
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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