In a world that is increasingly conscious of pressing environmental problems, there is an urgent need to create sustainable living spaces and forms. Architecture has a great responsibility towards the future in this respect. The Premio Kosmos Award 2024 aims to encourage creativity and experimentation, promoting the construction of innovative and sustainability-oriented models, thus prioritising resource efficiency and waste reduction. The Kosmos Kultur Foundation views architectural models as the result of an integrated development process that seeks to anticipate sensory and spatial experiences. Awards will be presented to those models that, on the one hand, are strong in expression and of high aesthetic quality and, on the other hand, embody the principles of using circular and recyclable materials.

Admission
The competition is aimed at architects who have completed their Master’s degree in Architecture at the Academy of Architecture of the Università della Svizzera Italiana in 2024 with the theme Basel. City between research, industry and culture.

Required documents
Only applications with complete documentation will be admitted to the jury.

1. A diploma model, to be viewed on site in the diploma exhibition at the Academy of Architecture
2. One photo of the model, jpg., max. 5MB
3. Making-of-documentation clearly describing the construction of the model, e.g. through detailed plans, series of photos, videos, stop-motion, drawings, sketches and/or renderings
4. PDF file with a) dimensions and weight of the model, b) complete list of materials used and c) short text (max. 1,500 characters, including spaces) explaining the concept of sustainability in relation to the evaluation criteria.
5. Entry form LINK

Competition entry and delivery deadlines
Complete documentation must be received by 20 June 2024 (see item 5 in the section «required documents»). Applicants must fill in the online form and upload and share the required documents in a dedicated folder on Microsoft OneDrive. Documentation submitted late cannot be taken into account.

Evaluation criteria
1. Integration of sustainability principles into the architectural model.
2. Innovation, creativity and originality in the use of circular and recyclable materials.
3. Clarity, coherence and effectiveness of the idea and principles of sustainable modelling.
4. Aesthetics and expressiveness of the model in relation to the architectural concept; functionality and quality of execution.

Evaluation procedure
The evaluation procedure will be determined by the jury. The jury’s decision is final and there is no right to legal appeal. The jury will not provide explanations or reasonings for unsuccessful applications. By submitting an entry, participants accept the terms and conditions of the competition.

Jury
Dr. Francesco Cara, professor ecodesign, IED-European Institute of Design, Milan
Stefanie Hitz, architect USI-AAM and planner, LabT, Mendrisio
Daniel Hunziker, designer and mechanical engineer ETHZ, Daniel Hunziker Design Identity AG, Zurich
Prof. Dr. Ena Lloret-Fritschi, architect, professor USI, innovator in sustainable technologies for architecture
Nina Staehli, visual artist, Vice President of the Kosmos Kultur Foundation
Walter ‹Willy› Willimann, President of the Kosmos Kultur Foundation

Prize money
The total prize money is CHF 4,000. Two models will be awarded CHF 2,000 each.

Publication and recognition
The winners and award-winning models will be announced on the websites of the Academy and the Kosmos Kultur Foundation and on social media channels. In addition, a media mailing will also be distributed.

Award ceremony
The award ceremony will take place on 21 September 2024 at the Academy of Architecture of the Università della Svizzera italiana in Mendrisio.

Information
Accademia di architettura
Università della Svizzera italiana
Largo Bernasconi 2
CH 6850 Mendrisio TI
info.arc@usi.ch
www.arc.usi.ch