ET CONTEST Beyond Underground 2026
Competition Brief
The ET CONTEST Beyond Underground 2026 invites designers to transform the former Sos Enattos mining site in Sardinia, Italy. The challenge requires architects and landscape designers to develop solutions that harmonize with the Einstein Telescope scientific infrastructure while maintaining the integrity of the site’s cultural and environmental and historical elements. The participants must create forward-thinking designs that unify research facilities and public areas and landscape design elements through an effective master plan.
Intent
The competition seeks innovative proposals that combine architecture and landscape design. The challenge requires participants to develop solutions for a complex site which presents scientific and cultural and environmental challenges while achieving both conceptual and territorial design goals.
Purpose
The purpose of this work is to develop design methods which will improve both the identity and operational capabilities of the site. The research facilities and public spaces and landscape design solutions should show how they will support sustainable land use planning while creating a public discussion about future site development.
Requirements
All individuals and teams are eligible to participate but the lead participant must be 41 years old or younger. The submission package must contain a masterplan together with design principles and visual narratives which demonstrate the proposal’s design process. The registration process charges a fee which decreases for applicants who register early. Participants can access preparatory activities which include workshops and site visits to help them learn about the project context.
Jury
Architectural design professors and ILS and Villard network designers will serve as jurors for the event. The official contest website will present jury member information after the competition ends. The Scientific Coordinator of the contest is Massimo Faiferri, who oversees the process but does not serve as a voting member of the jury.
Fees
| Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration | 50 € |
| Standard / Late Registration | 100 € |
Rewards
| Prize | Details |
|---|---|
| First Prize | 8,000 € |
| Second Prize | 3,000 € |
| Third Prize | 1,000 € |
| Special Mentions | Recognition, possible publication or internship opportunities |
Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | October 2025 |
| Introductory Workshops | October – November 2025 |
| Early Bird Registration Deadline | February 28, 2026 |
| Final Submission Deadline | March 31, 2026 |
| Awards / Results | April – May 2026 |
✦ ArchUp Competition Review
IIDA 2026 Student Mentoring Program operates as a professional development program which the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) created instead of using traditional design competitions as their competition structure. The program provides information about overseeing professionals who display their industry expertise and mentoring experience but their personal details remain confidential. The program maintains its professional focus which enables students to receive practical guidance from professionals who will show them how to develop their careers. The program offers no cash awards because participants receive mentorship and industry expertise and networking opportunities and portfolio development instead of project work. The program gains its credibility and relevant mentoring guidance through its professional supervisory team who possess both practical knowledge and academic credentials.
Conclusion
The ET CONTEST Beyond Underground 2026 challenge designers to connect three different elements which include architectural design and landscape design and scientific infrastructure elements. The program offers entry-level professionals opportunities to showcase their work yet it restricts access to established professionals. The contest requires moderate fees while participants must complete extensive work for their submissions. The contest will reveal its jury members after the event while Massimo Faiferri serves as Scientific Coordinator to manage the entire selection process. The 2nd International Architecture Drawing Competition, Adaptive Reuse Architecture Design Competition, and Architectural Competition Transparency provide background information about comparable design challenges. The contest provides a detailed conceptual framework which needs better explanations to help attendees navigate the competition process.
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