The first Global Challenge was initiated by A--D in 2016. With 80+ projects from 37 countries submitted, we discovered a willingness from professionals to invest their time and energy to help realize impactful architecture for communities in need. These projects are proof of the power of Do-It-Together architecture. The 2016 pilot ultimately supported the realisation of ModSkool, which was recognised by the London Design Museum as the winner in the architecture category.

The Global Challenge is a great opportunity if you are seeking partners or supporters to get your community's initiative off the ground. It is the one-and-only global program that supports the early phase of bottom-up, community architectural initiatives. Reasons to submit your project include: 

• Exposure: if your project is eligible and published on the A--D website, it can increase its visibility and credibility among your supporters and potential partners.
• Network: if your project is selected as a finalist, A--D will become your network partner. You can join our free accelerator that aims to connect our partners and our network resources to your project.
• Funding & partnership: as a finalist, you will have the opportunity to receive €3,000.- funding or pro bono advice provided by our partners.

We accept bottom-up, community driven architectural initiatives in the early phases of development. The project must involve the local community who, as a group, commit to improving their collective living, working or learning conditions. The community must be involved through the different phases of the design, development and building process.

Eligible projects must be collective spaces such as schools, libraries, meeting places, community centers, co-housing or factories - but are not limited to these.

• Team capacity: there is a core team that demonstrates motivation, leadership, relevant experiences and qualifications to bring the initiative to life.
• Community involvement: the core team consists of members of the community and representatives who demonstrate they receive community trust and are committed to the initiative.
• Architectural added value: the design demonstrates the core team’s understanding and sensitivity to local culture and tradition; it contributes to the community's sense of place and belonging.
• Urgency: the submission should address what’s already been achieved and identify the expertise and resources necessary to bring the initiative to life.

A project can be submitted by a community architect or representative who acts as the ‘gatekeeper’ for the community, who is committed to leading the development process under challenging circumstances. Please note that your project will be prioritised  if you can demonstrate exceptional leadership, project management skills, design experiences, or any relevant track record. By submitting a project, you will be the project owner who is responsible for the project page, campaign and communication with other stakeholders.

Eligible projects will be pre-selected and published on our website based on the submission criteria (Team capacity, Community involvement, Architectural added value, Urgency). During the jury process, we will select a shortlist as well as finalists based on the following assessment criteria:

• Impact: the project contributes to the long-term development of the community beyond the program period by building various capacities of the community. It presents strategies and tangible solutions that address at least two of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Feasibility: the project has a viable development model for its specific context. The total budget should be specified, and initial funding (20%-30% of the project’s total budget) should be raised.

You can download the Program Guidelines with all the additional information.

Please also check the best practices to learn more about the projects we love.