ETALASE 2026 Design Competition: Adaptive Communal Space

The ETALASE 2026 International Design Competition invites architecture students from around the world to design shared spaces that foster community connection and strengthen urban resilience. Under the theme “Commons of Coexistence: Shared Space, Shaped for Resilience,” the competition challenges future architects to conceptualize adaptive communal spaces that respond directly to extreme climate phenomena, such as El Niño-induced droughts and rising temperatures.

The Design Challenge

Participants must address the changing environmental and settlement conditions by developing architectural interventions tailored to three distinct phases: Before, During, and After a climate crisis event. The primary focus is to craft functional, resilient shared areas that mitigate the adverse effects of extreme heat waves and severe water scarcity on local communities.

Eligibility and Guidelines

• Target Audience: The contest is strictly open to current undergraduate students majoring in architecture or related built-environment fields.
• Team Composition: Participants may enter individually or form teams of up to three members.
• Competition Structure: The evaluation features a multi-stage selection process, culminating in a live, open jury presentation.

Key Timeline and Dates

• Early Bird Registration Period: June 15, 2026 – June 29, 2026
• Regular Discount Registration: June 30, 2026 – July 13, 2026
• Standard Registration Closes: August 15, 2026
• Project Submission Deadline: August 16, 2026
• Open Jury Session (via Zoom): September 20, 2026

Registration Fees and Discounts

Standard Rates:
Early Bird: IDR 140,000 / USD 8 (per team)
Regular: IDR 170,000 / USD 10 (per team)

Discount Opportunity: Teams can claim a registration discount of up to IDR 30,000 / USD 2 during the designated discount window. To qualify, participants must complete promotional steps, such as following the specified social media channels, sharing the competition poster to their Instagram Stories, or using team referral codes.

Awards and Cash Prizes

• 1st Place Winner: IDR 5,500,000 (Approx. USD 310)
• 2nd Place Winner: IDR 3,500,000 (Approx. USD 195)
• 3rd Place Winner: IDR 1,500,000 (Approx. USD 85)
• Honorable Mention 1: IDR 800,000 (Approx. USD 45)
• Honorable Mention 2: IDR 500,000 (Approx. USD 28)

Official Links and Documents

Detailed design specifications, constraints, and complete Terms of Reference (TOR) are accessible via the official portal at linktr.ee/unnesetalase2026.