Introduction
As cities expand, populations surge, and environmental concerns intensify, architecture must evolve to meet the challenges of modern urban life. Subterranean Visions invites architects, designers, and forward-thinking creatives to reimagine the potential of underground spaces by conceptualizing a revolutionary museum embedded within the earth, where culture, nature, and human experience converge.
This competition calls for innovative proposals that transform underground environments into dynamic cultural institutions. Participants are tasked with creating a subterranean museum that not only showcases artistic works but also acts as a living, breathing space for education, community interaction, and cultural exchange. The design must reflect a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between architecture and nature, with a focus on sustainability, resource optimization, and urban resilience.
By going beneath the surface, this competition challenges conventional museum design paradigms, inviting participants to think beyond traditional urban spaces. How can underground environments offer a unique canvas for artistic expression? How can they foster new forms of cultural engagement while addressing critical issues like land scarcity, environmental impact, and community cohesion?
This is an invitation to pioneer a visionary architectural approach—one that transforms the hidden depths of urban landscapes into vibrant hubs of creativity, learning, and environmental stewardship. Join us in exploring new frontiers in museum architecture and redefining the future of how we engage with culture, art, and nature in the heart of our cities.
Objective
This competition challenges architects, designers, and creatives to reimagine museum spaces, bringing cultural institutions beneath the earth’s surface. “Subterranean Visions” asks participants to push the boundaries of how museums can connect with the environment, the urban landscape, and the public. The goal is to design a functional, inspirational, and iconic underground museum that transforms the visitor experience while creating a space that is sustainable, community-focused, and innovative.
The underground setting should evoke a sense of discovery, offering an immersive journey where art, culture, and nature converge. Participants are encouraged to explore cutting-edge architectural solutions that overcome the constraints of subterranean spaces—incorporating advanced strategies for lighting, ventilation, and spatial design to create a museum that feels open and inviting despite its underground location.
This competition seeks a bold vision for museum architecture, one that challenges preconceived notions of cultural spaces, rethinks our relationship with the built environment, and integrates seamlessly with the natural world. The final design should not only serve as a space for exhibitions but also foster a strong connection between visitors, artists, and the community, enriching the cultural fabric of the surrounding area.
Key Goals:
Create a visionary underground museum: Design an innovative space that accommodates diverse forms of art, enhances the visitor journey, and offers an unforgettable experience that capitalizes on the unique underground setting.
Promote sustainability: Develop eco-conscious strategies that integrate renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable materials, ensuring the museum reduces its environmental impact.
Enhance the visitor experience: Overcome the challenges of subterranean design by incorporating creative lighting solutions (both natural and artificial), efficient air circulation, and immersive spatial planning that engages the senses.
Foster cultural and community engagement: Create spaces that promote interaction, education, and cultural exchange, making the museum a hub for artists, visitors, and the wider urban community.
Incorporate advanced architectural solutions: Push the limits of underground design by utilizing new technologies, materials, and construction methods to create a functional, safe, and aesthetically striking museum that represents a new paradigm in museum architecture.
This competition invites participants to envision a new cultural landmark that seamlessly integrates with its environment and redefines how we experience art below the surface of the earth.
The Building Program
The Underground Museum should be a dynamic and versatile space that accommodates a range of artistic expressions, cultural events, and community activities. The design should balance functionality with innovation, creating a museum that not only showcases art but also provides spaces for learning, interaction, and reflection. Participants should consider the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the underground setting, and create spaces that optimize comfort, aesthetics, and environmental sustainability.
The building program should include the following key elements:
Entrance & Transition Spaces
Exhibition Spaces
Performance & Event Areas
Educational & Learning Spaces
Visitor Services & Amenities
Administrative & Operational Spaces
Utility & Technical Spaces
Site
Participants are free to choose their own site for the Underground Museum project, allowing for creativity and flexibility in determining the ideal location for their design vision. The site selection should reflect the unique character of the proposed museum and demonstrate thoughtful integration with the surrounding environment, whether urban, suburban, or rural.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a critical consideration in the design of the Underground Museum. Participants are encouraged to explore innovative approaches that minimize environmental impact while enhancing the visitor experience. As the museum will be located underground, unique sustainability challenges arise, such as energy use for lighting, ventilation, and climate control. Designers must consider how to optimize the museum’s environmental performance and integrate sustainable solutions at every stage of the project.
Timeline
Registration Deadline: 9 January 2026
Submission Deadline: 19 January 2026
Result Announcement: 19 April 2026
Discounts
Our conceptual design competition is excited to announce exclusive discounts for university students. These discounts are intended to promote extensive participation and nurture a spirit of creativity and innovation among students. We believe that by providing these incentives, we can create a dynamic and inspiring environment for young designers to thrive. Here are the details of the discounts available based on the number of individual or team participants registered from a single university:
DISCOUNT TIERS
5% Discount : Available for universities that register 10 individual or team participants.
10% Discount : Available for universities that register 20 individual or team participants.
30% Discount : Available for universities that register 40 individual or team participants.
