This summer, Designboom is curating a vibrant and diverse lineup of design competitions that invite creative professionals, students, and enthusiasts from around the world to engage in innovative architectural and design challenges. Highlighting a global perspective, these competitions range from reimagining traditional spaces to envisioning futuristic museums, offering a broad platform for architectural and design excellence.

One of the standout competitions is “La Madreselva,” organised by TerraViva, which calls for designs that harmoniously blend architecture, landscape, and cultural identity in a historic Argentine countryside property. The challenge is to develop small-scale lodging units and communal spaces that respect the site’s rural heritage while catering to contemporary travellers seeking immersive traditional experiences.

Another compelling contest is “The Architect’s Stair Edition #2,” run by Buildner. This competition invites participants to explore the stair not just as a functional element, but as a profound architectural expression. Designers are encouraged to experiment freely with symbolism, geometry, movement, and scale, spanning from monumental to minimalistic interpretations.

Dewan Architects + Engineers, in collaboration with the Tamayouz Excellence Award, presents the “Dewan Award for Architecture,” focusing on the revitalisation of Baghdad Central Railway Station. This historic landmark, once a bustling transport hub, currently suffers from outdated infrastructure but holds significant renewal potential. The competition seeks visionary designs that can breathe new life and public engagement into this architectural gem.

The “Digital Heritage Museum” competition by Design Unlimited challenges participants to create a technologically advanced, culturally sensitive museum in Cairo. This project aims to digitally preserve and reinterpret Egypt’s rich cultural legacy, positioning the museum as a pioneering global institution in the preservation of digital heritage.

Additionally, the “2025 London Design Awards,” organised by the International Awards Associate, offers a prestigious international platform celebrating creative achievements across product, architectural, UX, packaging, and fashion design. Open to both established professionals and emerging talent, the competition promises worldwide exposure and accolades following blind judging by an esteemed panel of industry experts.

Designboom also invites competition organisers to promote their contests through its platform, which reaches over 3.5 million monthly readers. By paying a fee, organisers can create detailed competition pages or secure prominent website placement, connecting with a vibrant global audience eager for design challenges.

Beyond these summer competitions, Designboom regularly showcases an extensive array of contests including those focused on microhomes, climate-themed art, and automotive luxury design, reflecting a sustained commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the field. Other platforms like Bustler complement this landscape by listing competitions such as student design prizes and architectural proposals responding to global contexts like Ukraine, while specialised contests like the FIT Sport Design Awards spotlight innovation in sports equipment and apparel design.

Together, these opportunities underscore a thriving global ecosystem where designers are invited to challenge conventions, explore cultural heritage, and harness emerging technologies, all while gaining significant visibility and professional growth.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services