For projects which are still in their concept stage, where innovative architectural, structural or planning solutions have been identified through which existing challenges in a given space may be addressed. The project needs to highlight creativity, problem-solving, and real-world impact, celebrating efforts that showcase academic excellence, teamwork, and a commitment to advancing knowledge or addressing meaningful challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
- Submissions can only be made by a student reading or having completed (not more than 2 years ago) an undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral research course within any Faculty or Institute within the University of Malta.
- Students applying for the Architecture Student project Award will be charged a discounted fee of €25.00.
Compulsory Entry Requirements
- An abstract of the project describing the concept intention, also supported by a statement outlining the purpose for which the project is intended;
- A block plan, correlated with detailed photos and aerial views and terrestrial maps clearly showing context of site (where applicable);
- Drawings and images of the proposed design (architecture or structures); Details of proposed features that have the potential to raise the sustainability credentials of the project and its surroundings by contributing to national and local economic, social and environmental goals;
- Details of how the project fits within the overall context and the transition between the project and its surroundings (consideration will be given to aesthetics and visual impact, contribution to local wellbeing, enhancement of the local economic climate, environmental impact)
- What measures are proposed to reduce the project’s overall environmental impact.
Note:
The jury has the prerogative to honour a Sustainability Award to any of the submitted projects. The project must clearly demonstrate a profound commitment to sustainable design principles, balancing environmental, social, and economic needs while minimizing the project’s ecological footprint. It celebrates innovation in creating resilient, energy-efficient, and resource-conscious buildings that integrate seamlessly into their context and positively impact the environment and community. (Including but not limited to adaptive reuse of existing structures or materials, Offsetting embodied carbon through design strategies or certification systems, life cycle thinking and designs that prioritizes biodiversity corridors or urban greenery.)
Judging Criteria
- Function: Does the design positively contribute to making the project work well for the intended use, including for its client, users, and the public at large?Technical: Is the concept project technically viable and feasible? Does it provide technical solutions that meet the project’s objectives?
- Environmental consideration: What active and passive means are being proposed to make the concept project more efficient in the use of energy and minimise the negative impacts on the ecological environment? Does the design respond to climatic challenges?
- Innovative: Does the project have originality of concept and thinking? Will the design enable the project to take a fresh approach? Does it work to improve existing practices? Does it push material and conceptual boundaries? To what extent were the users or community included in the design process? Was there an element of public participation?
- Presentation and Communication: Is the project presented clearly, logically, and professionally? Are the goals, methods, and outcomes effectively communicated to the audience or judges?
