Re-Imagining Cappadocia as an Eco-District is the international one-stage competition organized by the GAD Foundation in cooperation with Indigo Group that takes place in the Cappadocia Region of Turkey and aims to draw young professionals with a degree in architecture studies (≤ 35 years old) to propose architecture projects with the purpose of increased earthquake-resistance, sustainability, resilience, efficiency, microclimatic solutions and respect for geological and ecological factors. The competition is set in the Avanos district of the Cappadocia Region of Turkey, in a typical Anatolian landscape.

Prizes & Mentions

1st Prize: 5.000€

2nd Prize: 3.000€

3rd Prize: 1.000€

2 Golden Mentions: 500€ each

10 Honourable Mentions

30 Finalists

Guidelines

The main theme of the competition is based on the idea of an “Eco-District” that will host several earthquake-resistant, lightweight, undetectable buildings, structures, and eco-cabins coupled with activities set inside a project area. The vast landscape area will be organized as an Eco-District with agricultural/sustainable/organic production areas, and outdoor activities such as a walking path and zones for physical activity to stimulate exploration and discovery.

Furthermore, The Eco-District and primary activities are envisioned to be in and on a network of walking paths and open spaces. The design strategy of the competition will be to retain the natural materials and character of the Cappadocia region, particularly the Avanos region as a nature reserve. Moreover, The competition calls for a non-invasive approach to the design of the “Eco-District” where ecosystems are supported and new construction is minimized considering many rock-carved dwellings in the Cappadocia and Avanos region flourishing with their scenic beauty and distinctive geo-morphological landscape.

Requested Material

Competitors have to submit a maximum of 3 A1 panels (59,4 x 84,1 cm) landscape or vertically oriented. Panels must contain all the necessary graphic information to explain the project in the best way possible. Competitors also have to submit an A3 album landscape-oriented, a maximum of 7 pages (boards) long.

Jury

David Basulto I ArchDaily (Berlin, GERMANY)

Ferda Kolatan I UPENN Weitzman Architecture (Pennsylvania, USA)

Ayako Ezaki I TrainingAid (Erlangen, GERMANY)

Elif Erdine I AA (London, UK)

Zoë Ryan I UPENN ICA (Pennsylvania, USA)

Schedule

Competition Opening: April 5th

Submission Deadline: June 30th

Final Jury Reviews: July 31st

Results Announcement: August 19th

Download the full competition brief here.

Requirements / Eligibility

The competition is open to young professionals either in groups or individuals with a degree in architecture studies (≤ 35 years old) to propose architecture projects with the purpose of increased earthquake resistance, sustainability, resilience, efficiency, microclimatic solutions, and respect for geological and ecological factors.