Objectives:
- To Cultivate Cultural Appreciation: The Students Competition aims to inspire Asian architectural students to embrace and appreciate the architectural diversity and heritage of their own region, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for cultural nuances in architectural design.
- To Promote a Spirit of Healthy Design Competition: The competition is designed to promote a positive environment for students to engage in healthy design competition. By fostering a culture of constructive rivalry and individual growth, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, strive for excellence, and push the boundaries of their design capabilities.
- To Champion Design Excellence: The Students Design Competition aims to nurture creativity and excellence in architectural design by providing students with an opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions and push the boundaries of traditional architectural practices. Through this competition, students are encouraged to strive for excellence and develop groundbreaking design concepts.
Competition Details
- The competition is open to architecture students from ARCASIA member countries. Each institute must set up a procedure to select National Winners and submit a maximum of three (3) national winners to TOY ARCASIA Committee for the final judging (by TOY ARCASIA Judging Committee).
- The thesis should be recent, not older than two school years from the date of the competition award. For example, if the competition will be awarded in September 2025, the thesis should have been produced between September 2023 and September 2025.
- The thesis should be a product of students pursuing their first professional degree in architecture, be it B. Arch, B.S. Arch., or M. Arch, depending on which is recognized as the first accredited degree by their respective National Boards, Authorities, or Councils. Thesis of Post Professional or Post Graduate Courses i.e., Master Programs that are taken after B. Arch course (Professional Degree) is not be eligible for joining.
- Individual or group work as an entry is allowed.
- The entry must have any or all of the following characteristics:
Thesis with High Social Relevance: The thesis should address a pertinent social issue or need. For example, focusing on urban architecture solutions for overcrowding or slum redevelopment can demonstrate a high level of social relevance. The thesis should aim to provide better living conditions, sanitation, and well-being for the community it serves.
Thesis with High Innovation and Originality: A good architectural thesis that brings something new to the field. It should dare to present fresh ideas or unique approaches to architectural challenges. This could be in the form of innovative design, use of materials, or application of technology.
Thesis with High World Orientation: The thesis should consider global needs and challenges. It should not only focus on the student’s interests but also on the broader impact of the project. The thesis should aim to make a positive contribution to the world, in terms of sustainability, inclusivity, or another global issue.
The thesis should make a contribution towards attaining any, some, or all of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations or its future global blueprint or roadmap.
Submission Requirement
All entries for submission must include the following:
C.1. Presentation board PDF file:
One (1) A1 (594mm x 840mm) size of board – Portrait format layout containing any important drawings or details that the student wishes to put including (but not limited to) written concepts, site development, plan, floor plan/s, elevation/s section/s, interior perspective/s, exterior perspective/s. The electronic file should be in PDF format based on a jpeg output with 300 dpi minimum resolution.
C.2. PDF file of text:
PDF file of text containing:
- Student Name (as in NRIC)
- Contact Number
- University/institution Name
- Course Name/Year of Study
- Faculty Name/Address/Email/Contact Number
C.3. Anonymity of submission:
This is an anonymous award selection. Anonymity should appear in all submission materials, except item B.2 above. The participant making the submission must have legal rights and copyrights of all the submission materials.
No identification marks shall appear on the graphic layout. The participant(s) shall keep his/her/their entry confidential and take necessary steps to ensure it is not disclosed to any third parties throughout the process until the public announcement of results.
C.4. The entry must be presented in the English language
Submission Procedure
Submit your project or design via this link:
https://forms.gle/t57YpAneGGfFvRx46
Timeline
National Stage (Malaysia)
15 April 2025 : Open submission
20 May 2025: Closing submission
25 May - 15 June 2025: Judging process
30 June 2025: Submission of 3 Finalists from each Member Institutes to KIRA (international secretariat)
International Stage (ARCASIA)
30 July 2025 : Final judging and notification of the finalists
10 September 2025: Award Ceremony during ACA 21
Contact us:
Phone: +603 2202 2866 / +6013 6855 538
Email: arcasiapeakma@gmail.com
