ARCASIA Thesis of the Year 2024

Objectives

The ARCASIA Thesis of the Year (TOY ARCASIA) aims to establish a competitive platform for architecture schools from ARCASIA member countries. The following are its specific objectives:

1. To Recognize Excellence: The primary objective of the ARCASIA Thesis of the Year is to recognize and reward excellence in architectural thesis work produced by undergraduate students from ARCASIA member countries. The competition aims to highlight exceptional talent and innovative ideas within the field of architecture.

2. To Encourage Innovation and Originality: The competition seeks to foster a spirit of innovation and originality among architecture students. By encouraging students to push boundaries, think outside the box, and explore new approaches to architectural challenges, the competition aims to inspire the next generation of architects to create groundbreaking and impactful designs.

3. To Promote Social Relevance: The ARCASIA Thesis of the Year emphasizes the importance of addressing pertinent social issues and needs through architectural design. By focusing on the social relevance of the theses, the competition aims to promote architecture that contributes to the betterment of communities, improves living conditions, and addresses societal challenges.

4. To Foster Global Perspective: The competition encourages architectural theses that consider global needs and challenges. By promoting a world orientation in the theses, the competition aims to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness among students regarding the broader impact of their designs. This includes considerations such as sustainability, inclusivity, and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Entry Eligibility

The works are submitted by ARCASIA Member Institutes. Each institute must set up a procedure to select National Winners and submit 3 (three) national winners to the TOY ARCASIA Committee for the final judging (the TOY ARCASIA Judging Committee). 

The work must be a completed thesis of the fifth or final-year student in an undergraduate professional degree program LAM Part II accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and must be registered as PAM Student Member. 

Competition Details

The thesis entry must have any or all of the following characteristics:

1. Thesis with High Social Relevance: The thesis should address a pertinent social issue or need. For example, focusing on urban architecture solutions for overcrowding or slum redevelopment can demonstrate a high level of social relevance. The thesis should aim to provide better living conditions, sanitation, and well-being for the community it serves.

2. Thesis with High Innovation and Originality: A good architectural thesis that brings something new to the field. It should dare to present fresh ideas or unique approaches to architectural challenges. This could be in the form of innovative design, use of materials, or application of technology.

3. Thesis with High World Orientation: The thesis should consider global needs and challenges. It should not only focus on the student's interests but also on the broader impact of the project. The thesis should aim to make a positive contribution to the world, in terms of sustainability, inclusivity, or another global issue.

The thesis should make a contribution towards attaining any, some, or all of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations or its future global blueprint or roadmap.

Deliverables

DIGITAL MATERIALS (300 DPI)

JPG files of ONE A1 (594mm x 840mm) PORTRAIT format layout image consisting of:

·         Thesis title and location address

·         Thesis design concept and description

·         Thesis brief data

·         Drawing and presentation

PDF file of text, identifying the submitting ARCASIA member institute, institute’s contact person and address, student’s name, name of department and university, postal address, email address, and contact details

Requirements for all Submission materials

·         All submission materials shall be in English

·         This is an anonymous award selection. Anonymity should appear in all submission materials, except the PDF file of text (as the above mentioned)

·         The participant submitting must have legal rights and copyrights to all submission material.