2025 Global Challenge is launching on Feb 21! Find out more here.

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Global Challenge (GC) is a biennial program that promotes and accelerates high-impact, community-led architectural initiatives. Through its jury award, accelerator and events, it enhances your project's visibility and credibility while connecting you to global expertise, networks, and leaders in social innovation.

Why enter #GC2025

The Global Challenge isn’t just another design competition. It’s the only global program designed to support the upscaling of local-led, community-based, architectural initiatives. 

Scale Your Impact
Eligible Projects

Eligible projects are published on the A--D website, expanding their reach.

15 Long-listed Projects

Long-listed projects (15) are featured on social media, gaining visibility among potential collaborators.

5 Finalists

Finalists receive tailored guidance to secure funding, partnerships, and resources with assistance from ambassadors and partners.

What kind of projects is
A--D looking for?

We are seeking projects that embody Do-it-Together principles—where communities and professionals work collectively to shape shared spaces and solutions.

Eligible projects include but are not limited to: collective spaces, schools, libraries, meeting places, community centers, co-housing, workshops, urban infrastructure, place-making, etc.

What are the key criteria?
If your project aligns with these criteria, the Global Challenge offers a unique opportunity to amplify your work through meaningful partnerships and increased visibility.
Scaling-up Phase

Be in the scaling-up phase, demonstrating readiness for growth in terms of financial and human resources.

Core team

Have a core team with a proven track record of strong community engagement and active collaboration.

#GC2022 Finalists
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GC2022 finalist
 education
Book House
China
GC2022 finalist
 housing
Mini-Cyclone Shelter for Vulnerable Communities.
Bhola, Bangladesh
GC2022 finalist
 housing
KuNa, Construyendo Sueños
El Astillero, Tola, Nicaragua
GC2022 finalist
 meeting place
Barrios que Cuidan
Independencia - Lima, Peru
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GC2022 finalist
 meeting place
San Blas Social Action Center
Caracas, Venezuela
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GC2022 finalist
 education
KAKR BULUH AWAR
Deli Serdang, Indonesia
What they say
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  • “Participating in the A–D Global Challenge was a valuable opportunity because it allowed our NGO to showcase our project to a global audience and attract volunteers and donors.”
    Nicholas Kasparek
    Finalist GC2022, architect and the co-founder of Casa Congo
  • “When I found this network, it was such a relief and it was such a weight form my shoulders, knowing there was support if I need help, need to ask a question... that I am not alone.”
    Carly Althoff
    GC2022 ambassador representative, architect and photographer
  • “What we have collectively is incredible
    innovation, incredible creativity.”
    Peter W. Ferretto
    Finalist GC2022, Professor at School of Architecture at CUHK and Founding Director of Condition_Lab
  • “ Wonderful mission and vision. Great recruitment of projects and fascinating array of geographies and ideas presented. This clearly shows the dedication and outreach of A--D and its grassroot representation in-country, which is critical to the quality and success of the projects. ”
    Kira Intrapor
    Head, Planning and Innovation, Aka Khan Agency for Habitat
  • “I think you have opened a tremendous
    valuable door to new processes, new
    ways of seeing things and new ways of
    connecting.”
    David Basulto
    Founder, ArchDaily
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How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Before You Apply

Take a moment to review our 'How to Apply' page to ensure your project meets the criteria and requirements.

Step 2: Join the A--D Platform

Sign up to access our platform. Your application form is available in your personal dashboard.

Step 3: Complete Application Form

Fill out and submit your application directly in our system—no external forms needed. Your progress saves automatically!

Timeline

Global Challenge FAQs
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What is the Global Challenge (GC)?

The Global Challenge is our biennial program that supports community-led projects through strategic, needs-based collaboration. We invite architects and community leaders to submit their projects for consideration, matching global expertise with local needs, fostering partnerships, climate-resilient solutions, and connecting communities to global networks and leaders in social innovation.

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What are the benefits for participants?

By joining, participants gain:



Increased Credibility: Our unique submission process highlights your project's impact and needs, enhancing its visibility and credibility among potential partners and industry leaders.

Build Capacity: Our Accelerator connects your project with tailored support, mentorship, and resources from our global network of ambassadors, partners, and experts.

Access Funding: Throughout the program, your team’s reputation and portfolio will strengthen, increasing opportunities for local and global funding and partnerships.

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Who can apply?

We accept applications from individuals and teams who are leading and managing a project’s development process. Whether you are a community representative, community activist, or community architect, you can register as a project leader and submit your initiative.

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How do I apply?

To apply, visit the 'How to Apply' on our website. There, you will find detailed submission guidelines and necessary forms. Ensure all required information is provided to facilitate a smooth application process.

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I just submitted my project - what happens next?

After submitting your project, here’s what you can expect:

Publication:

All submitted projects are reviewed to ensure they meet the criteria for publication.If eligible, your project will be published on the A--D website, increasing its visibility and credibility within our global network.

Promotion:

From all eligible projects, 15 will be selected for the long list and promoted on our social media, generating further visibility and momentum from our global community.

Jury Award:

From the long-listed projects, 5 finalists will be chosen and announced by our jury board. These finalists will be invited to join our Accelerator Program, which includes free mentoring sessions designed to help secure vital partnerships and resources with support from our network of partners and ambassadors.

Live Events and Additional Opportunities:

The accelerator will culminate in a live event, offering global recognition for both past and present finalists. The event provides a space for meaningful partnerships and collaborations, furthering the global Do-It-Together movement. Details about the event location and schedule will be shared at the start of the Accelerator.

Throughout the Accelerator and live events, finalists may also attract additional support, including donations or resources from donors and sponsors.

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Does Global Challenge offer prize award?

Whilst the Global Challenge does not offer cash prizes, it provides long-term value through its jury award, accelerator program, and live event.

As one of the five finalists, you will gain:

  • A six-month tailored accelerator program, providing strategic, needs-based mentorship to enhance your storytelling, data research, and project positioning—guided by our expert board and supported by our ambassadors.
  • A live event in Hong Kong, where you will present your project’s impact and outcomes, refined through the accelerator program.
  • Opportunities to secure funding and resources, leveraging the accelerator and live event to strengthen your team’s credibility and expand access to potential partners and funders. 

    Rather than a one-time cash prize, the Global Challenge is designed to build momentum, strengthen partnerships, and amplify the collective impact of community-led projects—empowering you to attract sustainable funding and long-term support.
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Why does A--D organize the Global Challenge program?

Because no existing awards or programs recognize and support the best practices in self-built, informal, and bottom-up contexts—despite their vital contributions to communities worldwide. These initiatives deserve as much attention and funding as acclaimed, high-profile projects.

As a bottom-up, volunteer-led, and network-driven initiative, A--D exists to increase the collective visibility of passionate professionals, teams, and community-led practices in underrepresented regions.

If you share this vision, join the Global Challenge. This program amplifies our collective efforts—shifting the way we think about and practice architecture, from what a client wants to what humanity needs.

Our Jury and Expert Board Members
#GC2025 Ambassadors
Our Partners since 2022

Thanks to our partners' support in the 2022 and 2025 editions, we’re accelerating the development of high-impact, community-led projects worldwide.