FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a fee to join? Do we need to pre-register?

No fee and no need to pre-register. You just need to submit your design concept before August 24.

2. Designing EDSA is complicated, are you only calling for highly technical designs?

No, the call does not require or is looking for highly technical designs. This is a conceptual design challenge. Submissions are not expected to be technical blueprints, but rather bold and imaginative proposals that show strong potential to improve EDSA as a corridor for people

3. Is this open only for Architects or Engineers?

No, the challenge is open to all backgrounds and professions — whether you’re a student, a government employee, a private sector worker, a designer, planner, or commuter. 

4. Why are you asking the public for design ideas? Isn’t that the job of professional planners and architects?

Due to lack of public consultations, the lived experiences of ordinary commuters, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers are often overlooked in designing from the top-down. This call hopes to gather insights, ideas, and pain points from the people who use EDSA every day.

5. Why does the design call focus only on specific sections of EDSA, and not the entire stretch?

The areas for design are EDSA corner Congressional Avenue, Cubao Carousel Bus Top, and MRT Guadalupe Station.

These pilot sites were chosen for their role as key feeder routes, high daily foot traffic, and strategic importance in improving accessibility and multimodal integration along EDSA. While the whole stretch of EDSA needs attention, the Rebuild EDSA Challenge focuses on these three areas, which will serve as starting points to test ideas that can be improved and expanded in the future.

6. Wouldn’t it be better to present a draft design from professionals first, then ask the public for feedback?

This design challenge flips the process by gathering community perspectives first to guide the professionals to design with a people-first approach. Professionals and government agencies will still refine the ideas with their technical expertise.

7. Why is the prize only Php100,000? Don’t you think this is too small for a project of this scale?

The Php100,000 is a recognition prize for the best conceptual design, not the professional fee for the final technical design. After gathering the best ideas, the inputs from the winning designs will be communicated to relevant agencies to be considered in the final technical plans for the new EDSA.

8. Who are the organizers of this challenge? Is the government just crowdsourcing ideas to avoid paying experts?

The organizers of this challenge are Alt Mobility, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, Move As One Coalition, and Clean Mobility Collective which are all non-government and civil society organizations. This initiative was born out of the desire for a public participation in the planning and rehabilitation of EDSA.

9. Will the winning design really have an impact, or will it just be another concept that never gets built?

The winning design will serve as crucial input to the official planning process. While the organizers do not have full control over the final design for the EDSA rehabilitation, they commit to engaging the relevant government agencies and key stakeholders to push the integration of community ideas into the official plan.

10. Are you open to bold suggestions like elevated walkways, relocating bus terminals, or regulating mall entrances along EDSA?

Yes! All ideas that aim to improve mobility, safety, and accessibility of EDSA are welcome. 

11. What are the criteria for determining the best design?

The following are the criteria for judging the designs:

• Comfort and Walkability.  The design promotes a pleasant and stress-free experience for people walking or biking, allowing them to move comfortably, safely, and with ease in their daily routines.

• Inclusive and Seamless Access.  The design ensures that everyone , regardless of age, ability, or mode of transport, can navigate the space with dignity and without barriers. It supports equitable access and movement for all.

• Safety and Security.  The design fosters a sense of safety and trust in the space, helping users feel secure at any time of day and encouraging more people to use the street confidently.

• Context-Aware and Implementable Design.  The design responds to the realities of the site and community. It shows an understanding of what is feasible, maintainable, and meaningful in the given context.

• User Amenities (Quality of Life Features).  The design enhances people’s day-to-day street experience by offering opportunities to pause, connect, and enjoy the space making the street not just a place to pass through, but a place to be.

12. What are the key dates I should take note of?

Be mindful of the following timeline:

• Submission Deadline: August 24, 2025, 11:59PM

• Shortlisting Period: August 26 – September 1, 2025

• Final Judging: September 5, 2025

• Confirmation of Final Winners: September 7, 2025

• Awarding Ceremony: September 15, 2025

13. Is there a format or template to follow in submitting my entry?

Yes, all entries must follow the required format. Please refer to the provided template for guidance.

For urgent inquiries, feel free to email us at mobility@icsc.ngo.