The Architect's Stair International Design Competition
The Architect's Stair International Design Competition is now open for entries!
The Architect's Stair International Design Competition recently announced for entries invites architects, designers, and creative thinkers to explore the stair as a pure expression of architectural language.
Short description
The Architect's Stair International Design Competition recently announced for entries in its 3rd edition, invites architects, designers, and creative thinkers to explore the stair as a pure expression of architectural language.
The stair is one of the most elemental and enduring components of architecture. It is a structure in motion — a connector of levels, a sculptural form, a spatial sequence, and a symbol of ascent, descent, and transition. It guides the body and engages the mind. It is at once practical and poetic.
Participants are asked to reflect on its symbolism, geometry, movement, and potential — free from constraints of program, material, or scale. There are no limitations on style, function, context, or dimension. Whether monumental or minimal, abstract or inhabitable, real or speculative — what matters is the clarity and creativity of the concept. Organiser is not looking for compliance with regulations or typical stair design solutions. Instead, this is a conceptual exploration of an essential architectural element, reimagined as a means of expressing your unique design philosophy. How can a stair tell a story? How can it embody spatial ideas, emotions, ideologies, or atmospheres? How can it become a metaphor, a movement, a manifesto?
From ancient stone steps carved into cliffs to futuristic floating staircases in contemporary design, the stair has served far more than a functional role. It punctuates the rhythm of space, dictates circulation, and often becomes a central visual and emotional anchor in architectural composition. It holds narrative power — inviting pause, procession, and perception.
Note! Registration Deadline is March 05, 2026, but you can submit your project until April 06, 2026.
Winners will be announced on June 9, 2026.
Who may enter?
Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum).
Prize:
3 winning proposals, one special award recipient and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Buildner will award a total of 7,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:
➜ 1st Prize - 3,500 €
➜ 2nd Prize - 1,500 €
➜ 3rd Prize - 1,000 €
➜ + 6 honourable mentions
➜ Buildner Student Award - 1,000 €
Entry fees:
During the Eary Bird registration period (31 Jul - 15 Oct) entry fee stars from 70 €. After that period the amount of the fee will increase.
