2025 Global Challenge is launching on Feb 21! Find out more here.
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.
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.
Eligible projects are published on the A--D website, expanding their reach.
Long-listed projects (15) are featured on social media, gaining visibility among potential collaborators.
Finalists receive tailored guidance to secure funding, partnerships, and resources with assistance from ambassadors and partners.
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.
Be in the scaling-up phase, demonstrating readiness for growth in terms of financial and human resources.
Have a core team with a proven track record of strong community engagement and active collaboration.
Take a moment to review our 'How to Apply' page to ensure your project meets the criteria and requirements.
Sign up to access our platform. Your application form is available in your personal dashboard.
Fill out and submit your application directly in our system—no external forms needed. Your progress saves automatically!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Thanks to our partners' support in the 2022 and 2025 editions, we’re accelerating the development of high-impact, community-led projects worldwide.