The main goal of this international competition, organized by ARCHIDEX and Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), is to solicit new, innovative architectural and urbanistic ideas that address current issues and challenges. The competition aims to generate thoughtful and provocative concepts that truly benefit mankind. The design challenge is to define architecture by proposing a design solution ranging from the urban to the architectural scale. Beyond being a simple design competition, ARCHITALENT will continue to encourage creativity, audacity and the capacity to envision the future of the built environment.
For the fifth time, ARCHIDEX is hosting ARCHITALENT 2026 as an ARCASIA level architecture competition, featuring works from architecture students representing the 24 member institutes of the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA).
- IAB Institute of Architects Bangladesh (Zone A)
- BIA Bhutan Institute of Architects (Zone A)
- IAP Institute of Architects, Pakistan (Zone A)
- IIA The Indian Institute of Architects (Zone A)
- SLIA Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (Zone A)
- SONA Society of Nepalese Architects (Zone A)
- AAM Architects Association Maldives (Zone A)
- AAK Architects Association Khmer (Zone B)
- IAI Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia (Zone B)
- ALACE Association of Laos Architects and Civil Engineers (Zone B)
- AMA Association of Myanmar Architects (Zone B)
- ASA The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (Zone B)
- VAA Vietnam Association of Architects (Zone B)
- PAM Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (Zone B)
- PUJA (B) Pertubuhan Ukur Jurutera dan Arsitek, Brunei (Zone B)
- SIA Singapore Institute of Architects (Zone B)
- UAP United Architects of the Philippines (Zone B)
- AAM Architects Association of Macau (Zone C)
- ASC Architectural Society of China (Zone C)
- HKIA The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (Zone C)
- JIA The Japan Institute of Architects (Zone C)
- KAU Architects Union of Korea (Zone C)
- KIRA Korea Institute of Registered Architects (Zone C)
- UMA Union of Mongolian Architects (Zone C)
Theme: RE: PLACE
“META_SPACE” invites architectural students to envision hybrid spatial interventions that transcend the boundaries between the physical city and the digital realm.
This is not only about designing physical spaces but about expanding spatial experience through digital augmentation, virtual environments, and interactive systems that redefine how people connect, engage and inhabit place. In an era shaped by rapid technological advancement, digital immersion and shifting patterns of human interaction, this competition asks:
How can architecture bridge the physical and virtual worlds to create meaningful, inclusive and future ready environments?
Participants are challenged to propose urban and architectural interventions such as plazas, pavilions, streetscapes, infrastructures or hybrid programs that:
- Integrate physical and virtual experiences
- Enhance user interaction through digital layers (AR/VR, data and interfaces)
- Reimagine how people perceive, occupy, and connect within space
Projects should be grounded in contextual understanding, while simultaneously expanding into speculative and digital possibilities.
Each proposal should aim to redefine the relationship between people, space and technology by creating immersive and interactive experiences that seamlessly integrate digital and physical environments. It should foster social connection and participation while remaining adaptable, scalable and applicable to future urban contexts.
ARCHITALENT 2026 serves as a platform for future architects to explore the transformative potential of META_SPACE. It encourages participants to challenge traditional notions of architecture, place-making and interaction envisioning a future where the physical and digital worlds converge to enhance the quality of life for all.
Prizes
Champion: USD 1,000 + Certificate & Medal
1st Runner-up: USD 800 + Certificate & Medal
2nd Runner-up: USD 500 + Certificate & Medal
2× Best Presenter Awards: USD 200 each
Timeline
5 May 2026: Registration Opens
30 May 2026: Submission Deadline (by 6:00 PM, Malaysia Time)*
1 - 9 June 2026: First Round Judging*
10 June 2026: Announcement of 10 Finalists (3 International, 7 Local)*
1 August 2026: Presentation of 10 Finalists (3 International, 7 Local, 10.00 AM)*
1 August 2026: Awards presentation ceremony at the PAM Pavilion, MITEC, KL (2.00 PM)*
*Final Presentation: 10 shortlisted finalists (7 Malaysia, 3 international) will present on 1 August 2026 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur.
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For inquiry, please contact PAM secretariat:
Tel: +603 2202 2866 / +6013 685 5538 (Muhammad Ridzwan)
Email: architalent.pam@gmail.com / ridzwan@pam.org.my
Website: www.pam.org.my