Light of Tomorrow by VELUX invites students of architecture to explore daylight as a central element in design. The award celebrates creativity, experimentation, and new ways of understanding light as a source of energy, life, and inspiration. Projects should reflect how natural light can shape spaces, enhance wellbeing, and address today’s environmental and social challenges. Organized in collaboration with the International Union of Architects (UIA), the competition encourages students to think boldly and design for the future.
Prizes
Total prize fund: €33,000
Regional prizes (5 ×) €3,000 for each student team €500 for each supervising teacher (UIA regions: Americas, Asia & Oceania, Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe & Middle East) Special prizes (3 ×) Natural Light in New Buildings – €3,000 + €500 teacher Daylight in Building Transformation – €3,000 + €500 teacher Daylight Investigations – €3,000 + €500 teacher From these eight winners, one project will receive the Global Award: €4,000 for the students + €1,000 for the teacher.
Eligibility
Open to all registered students of architecture worldwide (individual or team). Each project must be backed by a teacher from a recognized school of architecture. Multidisciplinary teams are welcome. PhD students and VELUX employees cannot participate.
Judging criteria
• Daylight as a premise for architecture • Research and documentation • Relevance to future challenges • Experimentation and innovation • Clarity and visual presentation
How to enter
Register at https://velux.awardsplatform.com. Submissions must include: 1. One image file (project board) with visuals and text 2. A written description (max 800 words, English) 3. Thumbnail and banner images for the project showcase All jury evaluations are digital, so ensure your project board contains all key information.
Key dates
Registration deadline: 30 March 2026 Submission deadline: 6 April 2026 Jury meeting: 29 April 2026 Regional winners announced: May 2026 Global winner announced: July 2026
Publication
Winning projects will be featured on the Daylight and Architecture website and in international architectural media. By entering, participants agree that VELUX and the UIA may publish and share their work in print and digital formats.
