purpose

The goal of the competition is to encourage architecture students to challenge and deepen their understanding of the role of daylight in architecture, this special and always important source of energy, light and life. The award aims to expand the boundaries of daylight in architecture, including aesthetics, functionality, sustainability and the interaction between buildings and the environment.

According to the organizers, it is probably the largest international competition for architecture students. Since the competition began in 2004, more than 6,000 projects have been submitted, from 800 universities, from 130 countries around the world. Projects are awarded in two categories: "Natural Light in Buildings" and "Natural Light Research."

terms and conditions

• "Natural light in buildings".—projects that depict the applicable conditions for providing daylight and sunlight to buildings—including the impact of building construction and site context, orientation, shape and dimensions, window openings, screens, shadows, interior divisions, materials and exterior conditions. The ways in which daylight is directed and reflected in an urban context are also analyzed. The organizers place special emphasis on architecture for health and well-being and projects that address challenges facing cities, communities and where daylight and architecture can help create change through better and healthier living environments; for example, through retrofitting and repurposing existing building stock.
• "Natural light research"—projects dealing with the physical properties of light, the fundamentals of optics and materials, as well as technological development, new materials, storage or transportation of daylight. Proposing the use of daylight in public spaces for functional, recreational, cultural or spiritual purposes, and studying the effects of daylight on state of mind, health and well-being.

Each student or team should have a research supervisor.

awards

The total prize pool is up to €30,000. Depending on the findings of the international jury, the following will be awarded:

• A Grand Prize of €5,000 in each category (€4,000 for the student and €1,000 for the mentor) for the most outstanding projects,
• The prize for each region is €1,250 in each category (€1,000 for the student and €250 for the tutor),
• The jury may also award special prizes, including prizes for innovative use of VELUX products.

calendar

terms

https://www.daylightandarchitecture.com/iva/

regulations

https://www.daylightandarchitecture.com/award-brief/