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DesignBuild 2027: From Concept to Construction Site

ArchitectureDesignBuild REFLECTDesignBuild PROJECTDesignBuild

The Sto Foundation’s DesignBuild competition is entering its next round. Architecture departments, academic chairs, associations, and nonprofit initiatives can now submit their projects for the 2027 competition. The competition seeks concepts that will go beyond the design stage and be realised in built form. The deadline for submissions is December 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

The DesignBuild competition supports projects that combine architectural practice, social responsibility, and societal benefit. The focus is on projects that take students from the initial design concept through to construction.  Many of the supported projects are carried out in underserved regions, where they improve the quality of life through new schools, community centers, residential buildings, or public spaces.

“The DesignBuild competition challenges architecture students to develop creative solutions to real-world construction challenges, bringing together environmental, economic, and social considerations. In this way, they learn what it really means to build: to design, to make things happen, and to rethink along the way”, says Prof. Ralf Pasel, member of the Sto Foundation’s Board of Trustees for Architecture.

Submissions in Two Categories

Entries may be submitted in two categories: DesignBuild PROJECT, for specific construction projects intended for implementation, and DesignBuild REFLECT, for contributions to the wider discourse on DesignBuild, architectural education, and social responsibility in construction

A jury of experts will evaluate the submissions in mid-January 2027, considering both design quality and technical aspects. Particular emphasis will be placed on innovation, feasibility, sustainability, and the involvement of local communities. The selected teams will then be notified so that the projects can begin in February 2027.

In 2026, the Sto Foundation funded ten projects in the DesignBuild PROJECT category and two projects in the DesignBuild REFLECT category. Teams from the international academic and architectural communities received support in the form of funding, materials, and expertise.

More information about the contest and the rules for participation: https://sto-stiftung.de/en/funded-projects/competitions-and-tenders/designbuild

 

High resolution image files are available for download here.

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