Last Light International Architecture Competition 2026
Competition Brief
The ideas competition of Last Light 2026 seeks to establish new designs for 21st-century lighthouses which function as livable buildings. Participants must design lighthouses which function as actual lighthouses and provide users with interactive experiences that they can explore through visual and physical movement throughout different times of the day. Our evaluation of international architecture competitions shows multiple design concepts which match our requirement for innovative design solutions.
The lighthouse must include an observation point which faces the Atlantic Ocean and a light element which reinterprets traditional lighthouse design and functional areas which include a gallery and temporary shelter and a contemplation space. The site spans 2,430 square meters which extends southeast from the historic Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse in Sagres Portugal. Our article about coastal architecture exploration presents similar design projects which combine coastal and observational elements.
Intent
The competition studies the process which changes a symbolic building into a space where people can live and interact. It promotes innovative spatial designs which showcase light as both a practical element and an element which creates experiences.
Purpose
The Last Light competition requires participants to develop interactive lighthouse designs which function as full environmental spaces instead of purely navigational structures. The designs must create a balance between operational needs of the building and what visitors experience through its current architectural design. For more information about spatial transformation we present our analysis of experiential architecture.
Requirements
The competition welcomes architects and architecture students from all countries. The competition brief requires all submissions to be written in English. Participants need to deliver their architectural documents which include conceptual designs and spatial layouts and technical specifications that demonstrate how the lighthouse will function as a habitable space with natural light.
Jury
The evaluation process uses two groups to assess architectural projects through different evaluation methods. Architects evaluate the architectural design through its innovative and creative aspects and its overall architectural value. Experience design specialists evaluate the spatial experience and visitor interaction and operational performance of the experience.
Fees
| Registration Period | Fee |
|---|---|
| Special Registration (Feb 2 – Feb 27, 2026) | US $66 |
| Early Registration (Feb 28 – Mar 21, 2026) | US $79 |
| Late Registration (Mar 22 – Apr 5, 2026) | US $97 |
Rewards
| Award | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | US $5,000 + exhibition and diffusion on major architecture websites + virtual booklet of best proposals |
| 3 Honorable Mentions | Exhibition and diffusion on major architecture websites + virtual booklet of best proposals |
Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | Feb 2, 2026 |
| End of First Registration Period | Feb 27, 2026 |
| Evaluation Committee Members | Mar 16, 2026 |
| End of Consultation Period | Mar 20, 2026 |
| End of Second Registration Period | Mar 21, 2026 |
| Registration Period Ends | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Deadline for Submitting Proposals | Apr 20, 2026 |
| Evaluation Committee Decision | Apr 27, 2026 |
| Results Announced | Apr 29, 2026 |
| Awards | Apr 30, 2026 |
✦ ArchUp Competition Review
The competition team runs the Last Light International Architecture Competition 2026 which architectural and experience design experts control to show some evaluation criteria. The program operates as a conceptual competition which evaluates ideas instead of professional work or actual construction. The prize amounts which start with US 5000 for first place remain low compared to the expected design research work and detailed spatial documentation. Participants develop their work through multiple exhibition opportunities which include online platforms and portfolio development. The jury members assess architectural and experience design work through their professional expertise which includes evaluating innovation and creativity and spatial design, but the jury does not share its complete assessment procedure.
Conclusion
The Last Light 2026 competition challenges participants to develop new designs for lighthouses which function as both residential spaces and interactive environments through their architectural design and spatial storytelling elements. The competition focuses on ideas yet it promotes new developments through light technology and movement systems and human experience design. The upcoming two registration periods together with the structured jury evaluation system create a standardized assessment method which benefits both new architects and experienced professionals.
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