#Japan #Tokyo #Able #design competition

The 18th Able Space Design Competition: Call for Entries

The 18th Able Space Design Competition has officially opened its call for entries, inviting university, graduate, vocational, and technical college students to showcase their talents. Organized by Able Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, this year’s theme is "Heart Room," encouraging students to express their unique ideas and concepts freely.

Competition Overview

The competition aims to examine innovative space proposals for rental housing, which will be judged based on the designs submitted. Competitors will progress from an initial design plan review to a final judging round involving models and presentations. The Grand Prix winner’s design will be showcased in a full-scale exhibition at the Spiral Garden in Aoyama, Tokyo, from November 6 to 8, 2026. Alongside the Grand Prix winner's exhibit, models of other award-winning entries will also be featured. Highlights from the final judging and interviews with the Grand Prix winner will be available later on the IMAGINE University YouTube channel.

Event Details

Theme

• - Heart Room

Space Specifications

• - One-room model, 28㎡ (4m width × 7m depth × 2.4m height)

Conditions

• - Must include a bathroom, toilet, and kitchen (unit baths are allowed)

Evaluation Criteria

• - Innovative design for rental housing spaces

Participants

• - Open to university students, graduate students, vocational students, and technical college students

Application Process

• - Interested participants should apply through the competition application form found at this link

Important Deadlines

• - Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
• - Final Judging Date: September 24, 2026

Awards

• - Grand Prix: ¥200,000 and a full-scale exhibition at Spiral Garden
• - Semi-Grand Prix: ¥100,000 and model display at Spiral Garden
• - Honorable Mentions: All nominees from the final judging will have their models displayed at Spiral Garden

This initiative by Able Co., Ltd. represents a commitment to create opportunities for budding creators, providing a platform for them to showcase their work and innovate within the field of spatial design. The competition not only highlights the creativity of students but also sets a foundation for future designers.

For further details about past competitions, you can refer to their special programs on the YouTube playlist available here.

Contact Information

For more inquiries related to the competition, you can reach out to the Design Association Liberal Arts Society, Space Design Competition Office, at [email protected].