This year, we are seeking integrated design, planning, environmental restoration and engineering responses that address border, gateway and edge/fringe conditions in cities worldwide. Proposals should address urban sites currently facing chronic liveability challenges that are largely the result of a city’s location on a physical, political, cultural or economic border. Proposals should be implementable. In addition to a cash prize for the winning team, we will be engaging a local organization to help advance the proposed project. Responses can range from a strategic framework to a surgical micro-response, from a whole landscape system to a single piece of architecture. Entrants should demonstrate a holistic and sustainable approach. Judges will value creativity and innovation, but your response must be fundamentally feasible.

The competition is open as of 16 April to students worldwide. Students may work as individuals or in teams of up to four. The deadline for final submissions is 31 August, and pre-registration must occur by that deadline any time prior to the final submission. Finalists will be announced by 1 October. During the week of 12 November, finalists will present their submissions to a panel of judges in Shanghai, and a final winner or winners will be announced. At stake is USD$15,000 as a cash prize, as well as USD$25,000 to help see the winning scheme implemented.