ARKxSITE is pleased to announce the SITE TEMPLE international architecture ideas competition for architecture students, young architects and young professionals (≤ 40 years old).

The Site Temple is a secluded place to enhance a meditative experience of solitude while stimulating the senses through the elements of light, matter and water; an intimate journey to immerse oneself into silence and profound tranquility.

Brief

This international one-stage architecture ideas competition invites all architecture students, young architects and young professionals with a degree in architecture studies (≤ 40 years old) to develop and submit compelling ideas for the design of a Site Temple located at the ‘Vera Cruz da Figueira’ Fortress, Algarve, Portugal.

The ‘Vera Cruz da Figueira’ Fortress, isolated on a prominent location, is a powerful natural scenery with shear cliffs dropping dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean.  The stone wall traces rise from the landscape and the cliff surface eroded by the wind and water are notable features within this setting.

When generating a vision for an intervention located within such a remarkable place, it is essential that each design proposal emphasises, respects and celebrates the site and existing ruins, while providing a unique and memorable experience. 

Program

1. Entrance *
Provide a space of transition between the natural landscape and the ‘Inner Space’ of the Site Temple;  it can be a singular space or a sequence of spaces, open and / or enclosed to the natural elements.

2. Inner Space *
Provide an intimate space for introspection and a platform for meditation; a moment of silence and solitude.  An element of water should be included into the design to awaken the senses.  This is the main space of the Site Temple and can be a singular space or a sequence of spaces, open and / or enclosed to the natural elements.

3. Landscape / Exterior requirements *
Provide outdoor space/s to capture the history and celebrate the memory of the site while enhancing the sensitive experience of place.

* Areas to be determined by each participant’s design proposal.

Total area of the Site Temple to be determined by each participant’s proposal.

(suggestion: 60 - 100m2)

Notes:

The overall design of the Site Temple must be sensitive to the surrounding context. There are no limitations in height, excavation or extension beyond the cliff edges. The existing ruins may or may not be included within the Site Temple design proposal. Spaces of the Site Temple can be combined and / or separated. Because this is an ideas competition, urban planning and building regulations will not be applied to the design proposal.

For more detailed information, download the Competition Brief. 

Jury

Will be announced soon.

Schedule

Competition Opening: June 17, 2020

Early Registration Period: June 17 - August 17, 2020

Regular Registration Period: August 18 - September 24, 2020 

Late Registration Period: September 25 - October 05, 2020

Submission Deadline: October 10, 2020

Jury Evaluation: October 30 - November 13, 2020

Competition Results: December 11, 2020

Awards

1st Prize   2000€ (two thousand euros)

2nd Prize 1000€ (one thousand euros)

3rd Prize   500€ (five hundred euros)

7 Honorable Mentions

Publications

All submissions will be published on the ArkxSite website.  
All reasonable efforts will be made to publish and promote the winners and honorable mentions in architectural magazines and blogs worldwide; however, such results will rely on agreements made with the publication entities.

For fees and details, photos, please visit ArkxSite website.  

Top image courtesy of ArkxSite

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