The Global Challenge is a competition that recognises the best community projects and helps accelerate their development. We select the most impactful initiatives, promote them amongst our global network of partners and connect them through meaningful collaborations.

The Global Challenge is the one-and-only global program that supports the early phase of bottom-up, community architectural initiatives. It is an opportunity for Exposure, Network, Funding & partnership: as a finalist, you will have the opportunity to receive €3,000.- funding or pro bono advice provided by our partners.

Eligible projects must be collective spaces: community learning, living, working spaces, such as schools, libraries, meeting places, community centers, community-led housing or community place-making - but are not limited to these.

Please also check the best practices to learn more about the winner of our Global Challenge 2016 and other projects we love.

• Team capacity: there is a core team that demonstrates leadership and qualifications to bring the initiative to life.
• Community involvement: the core team consists of members of the community and representatives.
• Architectural added value: the design demonstrates the core team’s understanding and sensitivity to local culture and tradition.
• Urgency: the submission should address what’s already been achieved and identify the expertise and resources necessary to bring the initiative to life.

A project can be submitted by a person - community architect or representative - who acts as the ‘gatekeeper’ for the community, who is committed to leading the development process.

Please check the Program Guidelines with all the additional information about our jury panel, jury process and assessment criteria.

Join our online Q&A sessions here and ask us any question.