CEBU CITY — The future of Cebuano architecture is taking center stage as PROJETO: Ideas and Design Competition 2026 returns for its Cebu leg at PHILBEX Cebu 2026. The inter-school competition invites aspiring architects and designers from across the Visayas to reimagine the school as a climate-responsive, community-integrated learning environment.
A Platform for Future Visionaries
PROJETO 2026 challenges students to move beyond conventional design thinking. The competition theme, "Building Opportunities, Sustaining Lives," frames the school not just as a place of learning but as a resilient community asset. Participants must address flooding, extreme heat, and the need for emergency shelter in their designs.
The competition aims to cultivate the next generation of Filipino architects and designers. It provides a real-world platform to test creativity, knowledge, and design thinking. Students are encouraged to explore what it means to go "Beyond Sustainnovation."
Reimagining the Cebuano School
The design challenge is both timely and relevant. Teams must conceptualize a school that can serve as a community hub and emergency shelter. The design must be climate-responsive, flexible, and integrated with the surrounding community. This requires a holistic approach to architectural problem-solving.
Participants must submit a Site Selection Analysis covering environmental conditions, community context, and educational needs. The site area ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 square meters. This scope allows for a variety of innovative solutions to Cebu's unique urban and environmental challenges.
Open to Visayas Students
The competition is open to all students studying architecture and design-related courses in any university or college in the Visayas region. Students not currently enrolled can join if their latest enrollment was not more than one year ago. They can enter as individuals or in groups of two to five students.
The qualifying round requires a registration form, a design brief, and two A1 boards containing perspectives, diagrams, and plans. A crucial rule states that boards must have no marks or team names, ensuring anonymous and fair judging. The deadline for registration and qualifying entry submission is September 1, 2026.
A Timeline of Creativity
The competition follows a structured timeline to guide participants. Printed boards are due September 9, with digital presentations due September 11. The final round presentation and awarding ceremony will be held on September 13 at the IEC Convention Center. Boards will be displayed from September 10 to 13, allowing public viewing.
Finalists will present their designs face-to-face, including a maximum two-minute 3D walkthrough. A source citation document is required, emphasizing academic integrity. The use of free or licensed music is also mandated.
Awards and Recognition
The grand winner will receive ₱15,000, a certificate, gift packs, and an Erovoutika LAB Combo, which includes a 3D printer and training vouchers. The first runner-up will receive ₱8,000, and the second runner-up ₱5,000, both with certificates and gift packs. These prizes recognize both academic achievement and creative excellence.
Beyond the monetary awards, the competition offers valuable exposure. Winners will have their work published by the organizer, showcasing their talent to the industry. This platform can open doors to future opportunities in the field of architecture and design.
