Registration Deadline: Jul 9, 2025; Submission Deadline: Jan 12, 2026
Introducing the fifth edition of the Hospice – Home for the Terminally Ill Competition, an evolving architectural ideas contest dedicated to crafting sanctuaries for those grappling with terminal illnesses.
Building on the success and insights gained from previous challenges, this year’s competition continues to delve into the critical need for spaces that extend beyond medical treatment. The earlier editions unveiled inspiring designs that recognized the intricate interplay of emotional, psychological, and physical needs in end-of-life care. This new edition seeks to further this exploration, encouraging architects to innovate and refine their approaches in creating environments that offer comfort, dignity, and a sense of community to those facing life-threatening illnesses.
Participants are tasked with conceiving a facility that not only provides medical support but also caters to the psychological and emotional well-being of its visitors. The design should comfortably host up to 15 visitors and 5 staff members, featuring essential spaces such as a common area with a library, a gathering room, a chapel, a kitchen, a dining room, a nurse’s room, and a therapy room for psychological support.
In this fifth edition, we continue to provide participants with the freedom to select a theoretical site within their own country, encouraging them to incorporate cultural, environmental, and social contexts into their designs. This competition extends beyond architectural aesthetics; it serves as an opportunity for participants to showcase how thoughtful design can provide solace and support to individuals facing the most challenging phases of their lives.
PRIZES
3 winning proposals, 2 special award recipients and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Buildner will award a total of 10,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:
1st Prize – 5,000 €
2nd Prize – 2,500 €
3rd Prize – 1,000 €
+ 6 honourable mentions
Buildner Student Award – 1000 €
Buildner Sustainability Award – 500 €
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
Early Bird Registration: June 9 – July 9
Advance Registration: July 10 – October 9
Last Minute Registration: October 10 – November 26
Final registration deadline: November 26, 2025
Closing date for submission: January 12, 2026 (London Time)
Announcement of the winners: March 10, 2026