#Japan #Tokyo #Architecture Students #3days DESIGN CHAMPIONSHIP #Open House Development

3days DESIGN CHAMPIONSHIP 2026: An Opportunity for Aspiring Architects

The 3days DESIGN CHAMPIONSHIP 2026, launched by Open House Development, is an innovative internship program designed for students majoring in architecture, civil engineering, and design, graduating in March 2028. This marks the 13th iteration of the program, which combines art with practical experience. Every year, multiple teams of students from across the country compete in this unique competition. The winning team will have their design transformed into a real house, which will be constructed and sold by Open House Development.

Overview of the Program

The championship offers an exceptional opportunity to aspiring architects to dive into the complexities of real-world construction. It is structured in two main phases: a preliminary competition followed by a Grand Final.

Preliminary Competition

Students selected through pre-screening will be divided into teams to partake in a design competition that focuses on designing new homes on actual land in Tokyo. Under the guidance of employees from Open House’s construction department, students receive professional feedback on aspects such as cost, safety, and regulatory compliance. This hands-on approach allows teams to brainstorm freely, creating detailed designs, including plans, models, and visualizations.

Grand Final

The best teams from the preliminary rounds will advance to the Grand Final scheduled for mid-October. The design deemed the best will not only be brought to life but will also award the winning team with a cash prize of 500,000 yen, embodying the program's spirit of endorsing ambition and creativity.

Logistics and Schedule

The internship is set to occur over several sessions:

• - July 27-29, 2026
• - August 3-5, 2026
• - August 24-26, 2026
• - August 31 – September 2, 2026

Additionally, the Grand Final is planned for mid-October, promising an exciting culmination to this rigorous program.

Target Participants

This unique internship is open for application to those who meet specific criteria:

• - Must be a student at a four-year university, graduate school, vocational school, or technical college.
• - Must be majoring in fields like architecture, living environment, civil engineering, or design.
• - Must be scheduled to graduate in March 2028.

The preliminary selection allows about 168 students in total, divided into groups of 40-42 per session. Selective assessments, rather than a first-come, first-served basis, will take place.

Prize for Champions

The primary incentive for participants is that the winning team's design will actually be built and marketed by Open House Development. In addition, they will receive a substantial monetary reward, underscoring the seriousness of the competition.

Locations and Application Process

The internship will take place at the Open House Development Shibuya office located in Tokyo. Full transportation coverage will be provided as well.

Students interested in participating must apply through the official website, attend an internship briefing session, and go through a multi-tiered interview process before final selection.

A Message from the Organizer

In a statement from the head of the program, he expressed, "This championship is not just about empty designs; it’s about building real homes. We want to provide students with the chance to think like professionals in the field. Being a part of this project means your ideas can actually become a part of someone’s life, making the experience immeasurably rewarding."

Following their success, last year’s winners shared similar sentiments. Yuto Tanaka, a student from Toyama University, described the experience as life-changing, emphasizing the need to balance creativity with practicality. He encouraged upcoming students not to miss out on this extraordinary opportunity, which promises to challenge and inspire them in equal measure.

Conclusion

The 3days DESIGN CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 offers a rare combination of education and real-world application. Students are invited to challenge their limits, refine their design skills, and possibly contribute to the architecture scene in Japan. With one the project set to be a transformative experience, applicants are encouraged to step forward and take part in this thrilling endeavor.