×
✎ Application deadline: April 19, 2025 - 24:00 CET
✎ For any questions, feel free to contact us or join our Live Q&A
↪︎ Para nuestros amigos hispanohablantes, visiten la sección Cómo participar
To be eligible, projects must:
Eligible projects include (but are not limited to):
Check out our Success Stories to get inspired!
Projects can be submitted by individuals or teams committed to leading the development process as community representatives. Whether you are a community representative, activist, or architect, you can register as a project leader and submit your initiative.
There is no limit for a project's total budget. However, for substantial budgets and timelines, it's advisable to break down the project into phases. The budget should reflect the next phase of development, appropriate for a six-month period.
Please note that potential sponsors may require a detailed budget estimation, especially for substantial amounts.
Prepare Key Information
Image requirements
Every time you edit your application, it will be automatically saved. Once you hit the ‘Submit’ button, editing will no longer be possible. After submitting your project, you can contact us to make edits, but you'll need to resubmit it before the deadline.
After submitting your project, here’s what you can expect:
Publication:
All submitted projects are reviewed to ensure they meet the criteria for publication.If eligible, your project will be published on the A--D website, increasing its visibility and credibility within our global network.
Promotion:
From all eligible projects, 15 will be selected for the long list and promoted on our social media, generating further visibility and momentum from our global community.
Jury Award:
From the long-listed projects, 5 finalists will be chosen and announced by our jury board. These finalists will be invited to join our Accelerator Program, which includes free mentoring sessions designed to help secure vital partnerships and resources with support from our network of partners and ambassadors.
Live Events and Additional Opportunities:
The accelerator will culminate in a live event, offering global recognition for both past and present finalists. The event provides a space for sponsorships, partnerships and collaborations. Details about the event location and schedule will be shared at the start of the Accelerator.
Throughout the Accelerator and live events, finalists may also attract additional support, including donations or resources from donors and sponsors.
Submissions are evaluated based on:
Team capacity: We prioritize applications from teams that demonstrate exceptional leadership, project management skills, design experience, or a strong track record and qualifications to make this project thrive.
Community involvement: the core team consists of members of the community and representatives who demonstrate they receive community trust and are committed to the initiative.
Architectural added value: the design demonstrates the core team’s understanding and sensitivity to local culture and tradition; it contributes to the community's sense of place and belonging.
Urgency: the submission should clearly specify what’s already been achieved and identify the expertise and resources necessary for the next phase of development.
Our jury panel will select the finalists based on:
Demonstrable impact: the project clearly contributes to the long-term development of the community beyond the program period by building various capacities of the community.
Feasibility: the project has a viable development model for its specific context. The total budget should be specified, and initial funding (20%-30% of the project’s total budget) should be raised.
Our jury board is made of experts nominated by our partners and our board members:
David Barragan (chair) - Al Borde Arquitectos
Marta Maccaglia - Semilas Peru
Beatrice De Carli - University of Sheffield
Peter Rich - Peter Rich Architects
Peter Winston Ferretto - Chinese University Hong Kong
Once your project is published online, it can no longer be edited. You may, however, provide updates to the project, and are kindly advised to do so on a regular basis to keep your audience engaged and informed. See project update example here or here. This also ensures maximum visibility and increases your chances of advancing to the next stages!
As a finalist, your team will be invited to sign a partnership agreement with A--D to officially join our Accelerator Program. Don’t worry—we’ll provide all the details and support you need along the way.
The program will conclude in six months with a public presentation of your project, showcasing your progress and achievements. After this milestone, the A--D team will transition from being an active partner but will remain a supportive part of your network.
We’re excited to work with you and help bring your vision to life!
Below you can find the basic information about the A--D Global Challenge. If you still have questions after reading them, feel free to ask questions by contacting us.
The Global Challenge (GC) is a biennial program organized by A--D. Through an open call and a six-month accelerator, GC matches global expertise with local needs, fostering Do-it-Together, climate-resilient solutions and unlocking access to global networks, audiences and leaders in social innovation.
Architecture-in-Development (A--D) is a not-for-profit network platform with the vision to catalyze a new architectural practice we call Do-it-Together. With members active in over 80 countries, A--D bridges global expertise with local needs, fostering trust-based collaborations that address today’s most pressing challenges.
At the heart of A--D is Do-it-Together (DiT). Through our website, programs and activities, we match diverse resources and stakeholders, bridging differences, and scaling local-global collaborations. Through our Library of Inspiration, global network, and matching programs, A--D continues to support community-led initiatives, repositioning architecture as a powerful medium for building agency and capacities towards sustainable change.
Click here to read more about A--D.
Whilst the Global Challenge does not offer cash prizes, it provides long-term value through its jury award, accelerator program, and live event.
As one of the five finalists, you will gain:
Because no existing awards or programs recognize and support the best practices in self-built, informal, and bottom-up contexts—despite their vital contributions to communities worldwide. These initiatives deserve as much attention and funding as acclaimed, high-profile projects.
As a bottom-up, volunteer-led, and network-driven initiative, A--D exists to increase the collective visibility of passionate professionals, teams, and community-led practices in underrepresented regions.
If you share this vision, join the Global Challenge. This program amplifies our collective efforts—shifting the way we think about and practice architecture, from what a client wants to what humanity needs.
There are three main benefits depending on the status of your project.
1. Increased Credibility: Our unique submission process highlights your project's impact and needs, enhancing its visibility and credibility among potential partners and industry leaders.
2. Build Capacity: Our Accelerator connects your project with tailored support, mentorship, and resources from our global network of ambassadors, partners, and experts.
3. Access Funding: Throughout the program, your team’s reputation and portfolio will strengthen, increasing opportunities for local and global funding and partnerships.
