#Japan #Tokyo #Student Design #Nikken Gakuin #Architecture Competition

National Architecture Student Challenge Competition 2026

The Architectural Materials Research Corporation, headquartered in Toshima, Tokyo, is launching its National Architecture Student Challenge Competition for 2026. This competition invites students currently enrolled in universities, colleges, or technical schools nationwide as of April 2026 to submit entries under the theme of "words (neologisms)" and "shapes (design)."

The competition aims to provide a platform for architecture students to showcase their creativity and unique perspectives, transcending the traditional role of merely providing information. This initiative is particularly significant as the year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of several renowned architecture magazines published by the corporation, including "Housing Architecture," "Garden," and "Confort." The celebration of these milestones coincides with the introduction of this competition in April 2025, making it an exciting first step for many budding architects.

Competition Overview

• - Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in universities, colleges, technical universities, and vocational schools as of April 2026. Participants can be individuals or groups, but all group members must meet the eligibility criteria. Multiple submissions by the same individual are allowed as long as they are original, unpublished works.
• - Judging Panel: The panel will consist of notable architects and magazine editors, including:

- Masahiro Harada (MOUNT FUJI ARCHITECTS STUDIO)
- Erika Nakagawa (Nakagawa Architectural Design Firm)
- Ken Honda (HOOP Co., Ltd.)
- Chisato Toya (Editor-in-chief, "Housing Architecture")
- Mio Watanabe (Editor-in-chief, "Confort")
- Shinobu Sawada (Editor-in-chief, "Garden")

Important Dates

• - Application Registration: By March 15, 2026, at 23:59
• - Submission of Works: By March 31, 2026, at 23:59
• - Results Announcement & Public Review: April 18, 2026

- The results will be announced on the Nikken Gakuin official website, and the public review will take place in Tokyo (exact details to be confirmed).

Awards

Prizes will be awarded across several categories, with three winners per category, including:

• - Harada Masahiro Award
• - Nakagawa Erika Award
• - Honda Ken Award
• - Editor-in-Chief's Award from "Housing Architecture"
• - Editor-in-Chief's Award from "Confort"
• - Editor-in-Chief's Award from "Garden"

All winners will receive a trophy and diploma, with additional annual subscriptions to selected magazines for those who receive awards from the editors-in-chief. All award-winning works will be compiled into a dedicated book.

Entry Requirements

Each submission must include:
1. A neologism (20 characters or less)
2. An explanation of the neologism (approximately 100 characters)
3. A design concept (approximately 300 characters)
Submissions must be presented as two horizontal A3 pages in PDF format, where handwritten entries are acceptable.

The competition encourages students to explore the relationship between modern living and the cultural aspects of architecture and its design. Participants are urged to express their innovative ideas and worldviews surrounding the themes of words and shapes to forward-thinking concepts in architecture.

Conclusion

Participants in the National Architecture Student Challenge Competition will not only get the chance to win prestigious awards but will also contribute to the ongoing evolution and understanding of architecture as an art form. As the submission date approaches, exciting developments are anticipated.

For more details and to register, visit the official competition page here.

Stay tuned for updates regarding the judging process and the details surrounding the exhibition of finalists’ works!