Open Call: Architectural Haiku Writing Contest, 4th Cycle: Architecture and Memories
Summary
Global English-language writing contest seeking up to three architectural haiku with one image each on “Architecture and Memories”; submit by 30 October 2026; prizes total books worth $300.
Essential Data
| Organizer | Architectural Journalism & Criticism Organization (AJC) |
| Competition Type | Open call / writing contest |
| Location | Online / international |
| Eligibility | Open to all; submissions must be in English; international entries are accepted |
| Registration Fee | Early bird: INR 800 (India) / EUR 10 (international). Standard: INR 1,200 (India) / EUR 15 (international) |
| Submission Deadline | 30 October 2026 |
| Full Prize Pool | Books worth INR 28,000 / USD 300 |
| Submission Email | ajc.competition@gmail.com |
| Queries | plusajc@gmail.com |
| Official Website | ajc-plus.com |
About the Competition
This call is part of an ongoing AJC series that approaches architecture through short-form writing rather than drawings or built proposals. The fourth cycle focuses on the link between space and recollection, asking participants to reflect on places that persist through childhood, migration, fiction, education, or everyday life. The subject is not limited to buildings personally visited; imagined settings from literature or film are also within scope. In practical terms, the competition treats architecture as a cultural and emotional experience that can be condensed into a haiku.
What is Required?
Entrants must submit original haiku in English on the theme “Architecture and Memories.” Each poem must follow a three-line 5–7–5 structure and stay within 17 syllables. A participant may send up to three entries. Every text must be accompanied by one illustration or photograph with proper credit or permission where relevant. The package must include a registration screenshot and at least one social media handle. The organizer states that entries will be checked for plagiarism and AI-generated content. Submission is by email using the prescribed subject line.
Submission Materials
| Item | Official Requirement |
|---|---|
| Boards | Not required |
| Drawings | Not required |
| Report | No separate report is requested; the haiku text must be submitted in a Word document |
| Images | One illustration or photograph must accompany the entry; submit as a separate attachment; minimum 300 dpi; proper credits and permissions required where applicable |
| Models | Not required |
| Format | Word document; Arial 12 pt; single-line spacing; English language; subject line: “Architectural Haiku Writing Contest, 4th Cycle – Category” |
| Size / Limits | Maximum three haiku per entrant; each text must follow 5–7–5 across three lines and not exceed 17 syllables |
| Additional Items | Registration screenshot and at least one social media handle |
| Delivery Method | Email to ajc.competition@gmail.com |
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission window opens | 1 July 2026 |
| Early-bird registration closes | 16 August 2026 |
| Standard registration closes | 29 October 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 30 October 2026 |
| Results announcement | – |
Prizes
| Award | Prize |
|---|---|
| Citation Award | AJC-curated book set worth INR 11,000 / USD 120 |
| Special Mention 1 | AJC-curated book set worth INR 9,500 / USD 100 |
| Special Mention 2 | AJC-curated book set worth INR 7,500 / USD 80 |
| All entrants | Attested e-certificate of participation |
| Winning entries | Publication on AJC+ social media pages |
| Selected entries | Possible feature on architectural web portals; best works may be compiled into an ISBN anthology |
Jury
- Sabu Francis — Architect and Researcher; Founder, Limen Leap Labs Private Limited
- Dr. Merle Kindred — Author
- Kristiina Oelsner — Project Manager, International Short-Term Programmes, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
- Pappal Suneja — Ph.D. Scholar, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
- Parichita Mohapatra — Architect, PhD Researcher, and Assistant Professor II, School of Design, Media and Creative Arts, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University)
- Sanan Verma — Architect-Planner, Assistant Professor, Poet, and Author
This is a credible panel with a clear mix of practice, research, academia, and writing.
Intellectual Property
The published material states that winning and selected entries may be featured online and that the best works may be compiled into an anthology with an ISBN. Ownership, licensing, reuse, exclusivity, and post-submission rights are not specified:-
Submission Deadline
30 October 2026. The official closing hour was not published in the provided source, so the countdown block is intentionally omitted:-
Brought to you by the ArchUp Editorial Team
Inspiration starts here. Dive deeper into Architecture, Interior Design, Research, Cities, Design, and cutting-edge Projects on ArchUp.
