Re:form – New Life for Old Spaces / Edition #2
Competition Brief
Intent
The competition dares architects and designers to choose an overused, abandoned, or neglected building and to redevelop it for a new use. It looks at the adaptive reuse of spaces below 250 square meters, giving a nod to the development of design solutions that are sustainable, functional, and sensitive to the environment.
Purpose
The aim is to showcase how the unsightly buildings can be up-scaled by way of turning innovatie and architecture to the milieu. The contest is all about practical measures and not about solely conceptual or aesthetic experiments.
Requirements
It is a competition open to all designers and architects all over the world. The participants are allowed to compete either alone or in teams of up to four people. The entries must consist of drawings, diagrams, and a written explanation illuminating the concept, suggested interventions, and functional adaptation. All materials have to be in English.
Jury
- Julien De Smedt, Founder and Director of JDS Architects, specialized in housing, cultural, and urban projects
- Anne Cecilie Haug, Senior Architect at Snøhetta, experienced in research-driven projects and small unit designs
- Haggai Dror, Founder of AggEquo, expert in sustainable architecture and engineering
- Tom Schroeder, Architect at Patkau Architects, focused on cultural and residential architecture
- Jiafeng Li, Architect at Allied Works, emphasizes environmental and contextual design
- Kevin Lim, Principal of Studio SKLIM, known for innovative architectural projects in Southeast Asia
- Roman Izquierdo Bouldstridge, Founder of Studio Roman Izquierdo Bouldstridge, international architectural practice
- Oliverio Najmias, Architect at Oliverio Najmias Arquitectos, experienced in urban and architectural design
- Tiago do Vale, Architect at Tiago do Vale Arquitectos, with European project experience
Fees
| Registration Phase | Fee |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration | 70 € ($77) |
| Advance Registration | 90 € ($99) |
| Last Minute Registration | 140 € ($154) |
Rewards
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| First Prize | 5,000 € ($5,500) |
| Second Prize | 2,500 € ($2,750) |
| Third Prize | 1,000 € ($1,100) |
| Buildner Student Award | 1,000 € ($1,100) |
| Buildner Sustainability Award | 500 € ($550) |
| Honourable Mentions | Certificates of achievement |
Total prize fund is 10,000 €, distributed across main and special awards
Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration | July 30 2025 to October 02 2025 |
| Advance Registration | October 03 2025 to December 03 2025 |
| Last Minute Registration | December 04 2025 to February 04 2026 |
| Submission Deadline | March 09 2026 |
| Winners Announcement | April 28 2026 |
✦ ArchUp Competition Review
Buildner is the organizer of the ReForm Edition #2 competition, which is judged by world-famous architects like Julien De Smedt, Anne Cecilie Haug, and Haggai Dror, whose knowledge in adaptive reuse, sustainability, and small-scale design is unquestionable. It is more of a professional and academic-oriented competition than a promotional event. The prizes are fair regarding the work done and the time spent, as site analysis, sustainable interventions, and detailed documentation will be required. The competition is getting the most out of the jury’s vast experience, which stretches from international architectural practice to context-sensitive design.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The second edition of the ReForm more focuses on the reuse of old buildings and the use of eco-friendly materials in small-scale projects. The international jury guarantees that the projects will be evaluated from different professional viewpoints. Participants need to make meticulous arrangements for their registration and submission so as to comply with the tiered fee structure. The prize money is considerable, but the main advantage is in the development of one’s portfolio, gaining of practical experience, and getting accustomed to critical appraisal rather than the securing of professional commissions that are guaranteed.
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