Openair Suites – A Rural Hospitality Experience 2026
Competition Brief
Openair Suites 2026 is an international architecture competition inviting participants to imagine a new model of rural accommodation at the foot of Mount Etna in Sicily. Contestants must create two suite prototype designs which will establish an architectural system that creates a distinct identity for rural hospitality. The Architectural Perspective publication offers design thinking research which examines various architectural research methods.
The challenge requires designers to develop lightweight structures which can be easily removed and operationally perform at maximum comfort levels while maintaining minimum environmental effects. All outdoor areas and suite clusters must establish a clear connection to the Openair Suites network. Our article Architecture, with Love: The Soul of Design presents an analysis of human-centered design methods which explore how design spaces affect emotional responses and spatial experiences.
Intent
The competition investigates how modern architectural practices can develop small rural lodging facilities into spaces which provide authentic visitor experiences through their built environments. Applicants must develop their designs by combining spatial storytelling elements with landscape appropriate design and cultural identity elements.
Purpose
Openair Suites wants architects to develop brandbooks which establish design standards that bring the competition vision into actual spaces. This approach guarantees that all hospitality projects will maintain identical visual elements. The Design category discussion shows how design systems create specific experiential outcomes.
Requirements
The competition is open to architects, designers, building professionals, students, and multidisciplinary teams with an interest in rural and hospitality design. Submissions must include one horizontal A3 booklet (maximum 30 pages) and one horizontal A1 panel (59.4 x 84.1 cm). Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, integration with the rural context, sensitive use of materials and textures, branding appeal, and graphic presentation.
Jury
- Giovanni Polazzi – co-founder of Archea Associati
- Aldo Cingolani – founder of Bertone Design Group
- Eugenia Pronzati – founder of Dropshot and The Blue Corner
- Sergio Redaelli – CEO of Crippacampeggio Srl / Crippaconcept
- Sergio Pitrone – co-founder of Vertumn
- Gloria Pierluigi – co-founder of Fuorirotta_italia
- Francesco Salvaggio – founder and editor of myGlamping.it
- Giorgia Dallasio – junior editor at Pambianconews
Fees
| Registration Period | Fee |
|---|---|
| Early Registration (20 January – 6 March 2026) | €69 |
| Standard Registration (6 March – 27 March 2026) | €99 |
| Late Registration (27 March – 10 April 2026) | €129 |
Rewards
| Award | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | €3,000 |
| 2nd Prize | €2,000 |
| 3rd Prize | €1,000 |
| Five Golden Mentions | Coupon for free membership |
| Ten Honourable Mentions | Coupon for free membership |
Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | 20 January 2026 |
| Early Registration Ends | 6 March 2026 |
| Standard Registration Ends | 27 March 2026 |
| Late Registration / Submission Deadline | 10 April 2026 |
| Winner Announcement | 11 May 2026 |
✦ ArchUp Competition Review
The international team that organizes Openair Suites 2026 maintains its credibility through a jury that includes both architectural and hospitality industry founders and editors. The competition requires professional skills because it assesses rural hospitality design through its mandatory prototype suite modules and complete architectural system design requirements. The design work needed for the competition demands through design effort yet provides participants with prize amounts which range from €1,000 to €3,000. The primary advantage for participants exists in their ability to develop their portfolios while exploring new concepts which will not be implemented. The jury members have professional experience which enables them to evaluate the work, but the judging standards remain mostly undisclosed.
Conclusion
Openair Suites 2026 challenges participants to merge landscape sensitivity, hospitality identity, and immersive spatial experience in a rural architectural proposal. The structured registration timelines and experienced international jury promote a fair evaluation process. Designers should consider how proposals balance creative innovation and contextual integration. Our feature Architecture, with Love: The Soul of Design demonstrates emotional and spatial qualities through architectural elements which architects use to create meaningful connections with human experience.
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