The project must answer: Is the design rooted in a specific and well-understood challenge?

The solution should respond directly to context, with a clear and compelling alignment between need and intervention.

What the jury will look for:

• Clear definition of the problem
• Strong alignment between challenge and solution
• Understanding of local context
• A coherent design narrative
• Evidence or data to support the approach

The question to answer is: Does the project rethink how we build and what we build with?

Projects should showcase innovative use of cement and concrete through low-carbon approaches, modular strategies, passive systems, and circular thinking. Integrated, system-led solutions will be highly valued.

What the jury will look for:

• Innovative use of cement and concrete
• Integration of materials, systems, and technologies
• Cross-disciplinary thinking across energy, water, and materials
• Use of emerging or hybrid approaches
• New possibilities unlocked through material and system innovation

The question to answer is: Does the project balance design integrity with buildability and performance?

Submissions should demonstrate a strong relationship between architectural design and engineering systems, ensuring that intent translates effectively into performance.

What the jury will look for:

• Strong spatial planning and structural clarity
• Integration of passive and active systems
• Balance between aesthetics, functionality, and material honesty
• Innovation in detailing, modularity, or prefabrication
• Engineering solutions that improve performance and lifecycle resilience
• Evidence of buildability and practical implementation