INHABIT Edition 1 – Digital Detox Township 2050
Competition Brief
The first edition of INHABIT challenges architects and designers to develop new solutions for housing which functions as infrastructure that supports human well-being. The participants must create an urban Digital Detox Township which occupies 12.4 acres of land. The proposed design needs to create a residential community system which allows residents to escape digital overload while they restore their inner peace and social connections and natural ties. The year 2050 serves as the foundation for this comprehensive housing design which exists beyond the boundaries of a small pavilion or retreat space.
Intent
- The digital future requires new housing solutions which will function as mental health infrastructure.
- The project aims to develop an environmentally sustainable township which will operate through unified systems of renewable energy and water resources and food production.
- The design needs to establish shared spaces which will support both private needs and community activities through their use as work and meditation areas.
Purpose
- Challenge designers to envision upcoming urban environments together with projected future population patterns.
- The design needs to create spaces which help people focus better while building stronger community ties and supporting slow-paced lifestyles.
- The assessment process needs to evaluate both technical viability and social plus environmental effects.
Requirements
- Select and justify a real site for the township.
- Project future urban context and define resident demographics.
- Develop a housing typology responsive to climate and sustainability goals.
- Integrate passive design strategies, renewable energy systems, and circular water and food networks.
- Prepare up to 12 A3 sheets and a 2-page synopsis for submission.
Jury
The jury will consist of internationally recognized architects, designers, and urbanists. Details will be announced by the organizers.
Fees
| Participant | Early | Standard | Late |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Nationals (per team) | ₹1500 | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
| Foreign Nationals (per team) | $45 | $60 | $70 |
Rewards
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| First Prize | ₹60,000 |
| Second Prize | ₹40,000 |
| Third Prize | ₹25,000 |
Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission Deadline | 15 July 2026 |
✦ ArchUp Competition Review
The competition operates through an international organization which does not reveal its judging panel members. The competition establishes professional standards through its concept-based evaluation which assesses digital future housing solutions for human well-being. The entry fees for Indian participants range between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 while international teams pay between $45 and $70 which remain affordable compared to the extensive design work needed. The organization provides reasonable rewards which serve mainly as symbols because they do not match the actual size of work completed by the participants. The participants develop their skills in designing complex projects which combine social aspects with environmental concerns instead of working on actual project execution. The jury which remains unnamed at this time has achieved international recognition which establishes their evaluation capacity yet assessment criteria remain undefined.
Critical Conclusion
The first edition of INHABIT presents architects and designers with a challenge to study how urban areas experience digital saturation through its effects on human thought processes and social interactions. The participants must treat housing as a complete system which includes all aspects of their design work because the program focuses on well-being and slow living and sustainable design. The competition selects winning projects through its assessment of social effects and technical implementation and visual design elements. The ArchUp platform displays significant urban development patterns which users can explore through its sections on Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Design.
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