#Japan #Tokyo #Showa Front #Storefront Contest #Building Design

The 56th Storefront Contest Organized by Showa Front

Showa Front Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sanwa Holdings, is excited to announce its 56th Storefront Contest. This event invites participants to submit their outstanding works that utilize Showa Front's aluminum materials. Since its inception in 1970, the contest has proudly held the title of the longest-running event in the industry, exemplifying the unlimited potential of storefront designs.

Judging Panel

This year's contest will feature a distinguished panel of judges from the contemporary architecture and interior design fields, including:

• - Koji Yagi: Honorary Professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Doctor of Engineering
• - Inashige Oe: Director of T & O Studio
• - Tomoko Ikegai: Director at IKG Co., Ltd.
• - Kiwako Kamo: Director at Mikan Group Co., Ltd.

Each award, including the Grand Prix, will be chosen based on their professional criteria. Winning pieces will be showcased on Showa Front's official website and through various publications, alongside the annual catalog of winning projects.

Contest Timeline

• - Submission Period: April 14, 2025, to May 23, 2025.

Eligibility and Categories

The entries must feature projects that were completed between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, and that utilize Showa Front products. The categories for submission are:
1. Store Building Category: Includes large stores, complex facilities, specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and accommodations.
2. General Building Category: Covers residential structures, office facilities, medical or welfare buildings, educational institutions, cultural establishments, transportation facilities, and more.
3. Renovation Category: Focuses on projects that involve refurbishing or renovating existing buildings.

Participants can refer to past award-winning projects showcased on Showa Front's website: Past Winners

Qualification Criteria

To enter the contest, participants must be involved in the project as one of the following:
1. Architectural firm
2. Construction company
3. Retailer or processing shop

Prizes

Winners will receive substantial prizes, including:

• - Grand Prix: 1 winner, 200,000 JPY and a commemorative trophy.
• - Category Awards:

- Gold Award: 1 winner per category, 100,000 JPY and a trophy.
- Silver Award: 1 winner per category, 50,000 JPY and a trophy.
- Bronze Award: 1 winner per category, 30,000 JPY and a trophy.

Judging Criteria

The assessment will focus on the following points:

• - The storefront and curtain wall should provide a safe, comfortable environment.
• - Outstanding overall architectural design.
• - Effective integration with the building as a whole.
• - Innovative and unique usage.

Submission Process

To enter, please complete the application form and attach photos and drawings of your project. Submissions can be sent to the Storefront Contest Secretariat at Showa Front Co., Ltd. or delivered to the nearest Showa Front branch office. Full submission details are available on our website: Submission Guidelines.

Please note: Submitted materials, including application forms, photos, and drawings, will not be returned. Awarded projects may be featured in Showa Front catalogs and promotional materials.