ISA-iSUN Design Challenge
Energising the Frontline: Strengthening Island Tourism Through Resilient Design Solutions
The ISA–iSUN Design Challenge is an international student design competition inviting architecture and engineering institutions worldwide to reimagine climate-resilient island tourism through innovative, solar-integrated architectural solutions.
Hosted by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and executed by GRIHA Council, the Challenge brings together architecture, renewable energy and sustainable design to address the unique environmental and infrastructural challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This is supported by ISA MDTF, GEAPP, TERI and RIBA.
With three distinct sites across the Maldives, Mauritius and Fiji, participants are invited to develop resort design proposals that respond to local climate, culture and resources while placing solar energy at the heart of architectural design.
The Challenge encourages a holistic approach to passive design, resource efficiency, disaster resilience and the integration of solar technologies, moving beyond conventional solutions to develop scalable and replicable models for sustainable island development.
Through an international jury comprising experts in architecture, sustainability, renewable energy and resilient infrastructure, the competition seeks to recognise design ideas that demonstrate innovation, environmental responsibility and the potential for wider application across island contexts.
Phase 1 Submission Deadline: 15 November 2026, 11:59 PM IST
Registration is free.
Explore the Design Challenge and register at: https://isa-isun.grihaindia.org/
Queries: isa-isun@grihaindia.org