Competitions

The UIA began collaborating with national professional organisations on organising international competitions in 1949. Entrusted by UNESCO to supervise the application of the Regulations and assist competition organisers, the UIA is proud of the successful UIA-endorsed competitions which led to the construction of buildings such as the Sydney Opera House, the Centre Pompidou and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Why an international UIA competition?

The International Union of Architects has many years of experience overseeing and assisting in the organisation of international competitions in architecture and urban planning. In 1956, the UIA drew up a set of standard regulations for international competitions in architecture and urban planning, which UNESCO subsequently ratified.

The framework and objectives embodied in the UNESCO Regulations have endured for more than sixty years, prioritising design quality and innovation. They are based on the main tenets of transparency, equal treatment and non-discrimination and guarantee professional evaluation under anonymity. The experience and authority conferred on the UIA by UNESCO allows us to serve as a reference in terms of ethics and prestige in the realm of international architecture and urban planning competitions globally.

Quality architecture since 1956

The UIA promotes excellence in architecture, sustainability and cultural diversity. Professional international architecture design competitions endorsed by the UIA have taken place all over the world and have resulted in some of the most iconic edifices of the 20th century.

Quality competitions

The UIA advises organisers in the preparation and conduct of professional and student design competition.  Support from the UIA gives organisers access to architects or architecture students as well as to media and professional institutions worldwide. Endorsement by the UIA is an assessment of conformity to UNESCO Regulations and the UIA best practice recommendations. It is a guarantee of fair conduct of the competition with equitable conditions for the competitors and the organizer. UIA endorsement is a quality label.

Distinguished Awards/ Prizes

Awards/Prizes recognise the quality of realized or theoretical work of excellence in different domains and promote the highest standards of design quality, creativity and innovation. They elevate awareness for specific aims and challenges of society and the profession in addition to honouring exemplary contributions by highlighting the cultural dimension.

The UIA advises on the organisation of international architectural awards/prizes.

Support from the UIA gives organisers access to architects or architecture students as well as to media and professional institutions worldwide. UIA endorsement ensures impartial and professional evaluation of the entries. UIA-endorsed architecture awards/prizes have taken place all over the world and are characterised by their cultural dimension.

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