1What is the nature of this competition?
This is a design competition based on a real project brief, where participants are required to develop practical and well-resolved design proposals in response to the given requirements. Selected entries may be taken forward for further development or execution, subject to further communication.
2Can I participate individually or only in a team?
You can participate either individually or as a team. Team size limits vary by competition, but most allow up to 5 members per team. Solo participants can register as a single-person team.
3What exactly do we need to design in this competition?
You are required to design a mixed-use development consisting of a commercial block and residential building(s) on the given plot, along with common amenities and compliant circulation/parking strategy.
4Is the commercial block mandatory? Where should it be placed?
Yes. 20% of the total permissible built-up area must be allocated to commercial, and it must be planned along the main road frontage (36m road edge).
5What is the commercial program? Are we restricted to only shops and offices?
The minimum intent is ground-floor shops with offices above. Participants are free to add supporting commercial spaces as required (lobby, toilets, services, etc.) as long as the commercial intent remains clear and buildable.
6What is the most important planning requirement in this project?
Complete segregation of commercial and residential is mandatory. Both must have separate entries, separate circulation, and separate parking, ensuring commercial activity does not disturb residential life.
7From which side should the residential entry and drop-off be planned?
Residential entry and drop-off must be planned only from the 7.5m internal road.
8How much built-up area is permissible?
The permissible total built-up area for this project is 3,65,000 sq.ft.
9What is the maximum height allowed for the project?
The project must not exceed 100m height. Building height is subject to applicable clearances and norms. For heights beyond 45m, step-margin / higher height provisions as per UDCPR must be followed.
10What are the flat typologies required in the project?
The residential development must follow a fixed typology mix. 50% of the total dwelling units must be 2BHK apartments of approximately 800 sq.ft saleable area with 645 sq.ft RERA carpet area, excluding terrace and dry balcony. The remaining 50% of the dwelling units must be 3BHK apartments, to be divided between 3BHK-A (1100 sq.ft) and 3BHK-B (1400 sq.ft). The proportion between 3BHK-A and 3BHK-B is left to the participant’s discretion.
11Are terrace and balcony counted in RERA carpet area?
No. Terrace and balcony areas are not counted in the RERA carpet area for the proposed flats.
12What common amenities are mandatory? Can we add more?
Mandatory amenities include a rooftop terrace, multipurpose hall, kids play area, sit-outs, indoor games room, senior citizen park & yoga lawn, medical room, and co-working space. Participants may add additional amenities (such as a gym) as long as they remain coherent and buildable.
13Is MHADA reservation applicable in this project?
No. MHADA reservation is not applicable for this competition.
14 Is 5% amenity space applicable?
No. Amenity space reservation is not applicable in this project.
15Is basement allowed? Is podium allowed?
Basement is permitted up to 7m. Podium is preferred. Mechanical parking should be minimal (stack parking allowed).
16Is the exact site location disclosed?
No. The exact location remains undisclosed due to confidentiality. However, all essential context required for design development has been shared in the brief.
17 Do we need to submit an estimation or consultancy fee quote?
No. Only the Area Statement is required as a separate document. Estimation and design consultancy fee quote are not required at this stage.
18How will execution happen if a design is selected?
If a design is selected to move forward, the winning team will collaborate with IPDS to refine the proposal toward execution, subject to project viability and approvals beyond the competition stage.
19How do I submit my entry for this competition?
For this competition, submissions will be accepted only via email and not through the website or portal. Participants must email their submission to submission@archdais.com with their Team Code as the subject line. Two separate PDF files must be attached: the Design Proposal and the Area Statement, exactly as specified in the brief.
20What files do I need to submit?
You are required to submit two separate PDF files: the Design Proposal and the Area Statement, in the format, naming system, and file size limits specified in the brief.
21Will website-related issues affect my submission?
No. For this competition, submissions are not being accepted through the website or portal, so issues such as the submit button not appearing, the submission page not loading, or the website crashing near the deadline will not affect the submission process. All entries must be sent only via email to submission@archdais.com with the Team Code as the subject line.
22How long after submission do I get a confirmation?
Since all submissions are reviewed manually, confirmation is shared only after the submission deadline has closed. This allows participants to make corrections or revised submissions, if required, before the deadline. Once the deadline has passed, please allow 3–4 working days for the Archdais team to review the submission and share confirmation.
23Can I revise or resubmit my entry before the deadline?
Yes. Participants may submit revised entries anytime before the submission deadline. Only the latest valid submission received before the deadline will be considered for evaluation.
24How will entries be evaluated?
Entries will be evaluated based on design clarity, planning efficiency, innovation, adherence to the brief, and overall feasibility.
25Is there a file size limit for submission?
Participants are advised to ensure that their email attachments are within standard email size limits. If files are large, a shareable drive link may be used with proper access enabled.
26How do we receive our Team Code (UIC)?
You will receive your Team Code only after completing the registration process. You can also find it in your profile under My Orders.
27Where should the Team Code be used?
The Team Code must be used in the email subject line, file names, and on the submission sheets as specified. It is the only identifier used during evaluation.
28Are multiple entries allowed?
Yes, multiple entries are allowed. However, each entry must be registered separately using a unique email ID and will receive a separate Team Code.
29What should I do if I don’t receive my Team Code after payment?
Please first check your spam or promotions folder. You may also find your Team Code in the My Orders section under your profile on the Archdais website. If you still do not receive it within 24 hours of payment, kindly write to us at competition@archdais.com and share your payment confirmation or screenshot. Our team will assist you further.
30What if payment methods are not available in my country, or I face payment issues?
Please email us at competition@archdais.com and we will guide you with alternate payment methods.
31Where do we use the Team Code?
Your Team Code is your only identification for the competition. It must be used wherever requested by the organizers, including on your submission sheets and in file names, as mentioned in the submission guidelines.
32Can team members be changed after registration?
Yes, updates to team member details are allowed until the registration deadline ends. Please email competition@archdais.com with your Team Code and the updated details.
33What units should we use for drawings and dimensions?
Participants may use either metric or imperial units. Ensure dimensions are clearly marked wherever required.
34What language should the submission be in?
The official language of the competition is English. All explanatory text in submissions must be in English.
35Can we share our proposal on social media before results?
Participants are requested not to publicly share their competition proposal before the winners are officially announced, to maintain anonymity and fairness.
36Will all participants receive certificates?
Yes. All participants receive a digital Certificate of Participation irrespective of winners.
37What is a promo code? Is it mandatory? How do I get one?
A promo code is a special discount code that may be offered for certain competitions. It is not mandatory for registration, and participants can register without one at the regular fee. Promo codes, when available, may be shared through Archdais’ official social media handles. If any offer is active, the promo code can be applied during registration to avail the discount.
38Is a group discount available? How can we avail it?
Yes, a group discount is available for a minimum of 5 teams registering together. While registering, you can keep adding teams and their team members under the same registration process. Once the minimum requirement is met, the group discount will be applied automatically. After registration, each team will receive a separate Team Code. If you face any issue while availing the group discount, please write to us at competition@archdais.com and our team will assist you.
39What happens if I don’t follow submission rules?
Submissions that do not follow the required format, anonymity rules, file naming, or submission limits may be disqualified.
40Is the registration fee refundable?
No. The registration fee is non-refundable.
41Where can I find complete Terms & Conditions?
All Terms & Conditions and updated rules are available on the Archdais website under the competition page.
42Can Archdais change the timeline or competition requirements?
Only if absolutely necessary, Archdais may make limited changes to the competition timeline, submission requirements, or related guidelines. In such cases, the updated information will be shared through the official competition page and/or Archdais’ official communication channels. Participants are advised to check the competition page regularly for any important updates.
43Can I add my logo or personal branding?
No. The competition follows an anonymous evaluation process. Your submission sheet must not contain your name, logo, college name, firm name, watermark, or any other identifiable mark. Any such information on the sheet may lead to disqualification
44Can I use any font style, or are there any restrictions?
You may use any clear and readable font style in your submission. There are no specific restrictions on fonts; however, participants are advised to avoid overly decorative or hard-to-read fonts, especially where clarity of information is important for evaluation.
45Can I change team members after registering?
Yes. Team members may be updated or changed any time before submission. To request a change, please write to us at competition@archdais.com, and our team will guide you further.
46Can I add a team member later?
Yes. You may add a team member after registering, provided your total team size remains within the maximum team limit allowed for that competition. To request this, please write to us at competition@archdais.com, and our team will guide you further.
47I paid twice by mistake. What should I do?
If you have made the payment twice by mistake, please write to us at competition@archdais.com and share screenshots of both payments. Our team will review the details and assist you further.
48Are hand-drawn sheets allowed?
Yes. Hand-drawn submissions are allowed, provided they are neatly scanned and submitted in the required format mentioned in the brief.
49Can I use portrait orientation instead of landscape?
No. For this competition, the Design Proposal must be submitted as a maximum of 5 A1 sheets in landscape orientation, along with the Area Statement as a separate A4 PDF, as specified in the brief. Participants are requested to follow this format strictly to ensure consistency in review and evaluation.
50Will Archdais own my design?
No. The ownership of your design remains with you. However, by participating in the competition, you grant Archdais the right to publish, feature, and promote your submitted work across its platforms and communication materials, with due credit to the participant/team. If a design is selected for further development or execution, the respective participant/team will be contacted separately by IPDS for further communication regarding the next stage, including design fee and associated terms.
51Do I need to rename my file in a specific way?
Yes. Please name your submission file using your Team Code only.
52Will the timings be based on IST or my country’s time zone?
All competition deadlines and timings are based on Indian Standard Time (IST), regardless of the participant’s country or time zone. Participants are advised to convert the deadline accordingly from IST to their local time zone to avoid missing any stage.
53Will my identity be revealed to the jury? Can I contact the jury directly?
No. To ensure a fair and anonymous evaluation process, only your Team Code is shared with the jury. Participants are requested not to contact jurors directly regarding the competition or their submission.
54Will you send reminders before deadlines?
Yes. Registered participants do receive deadline reminders through email and/or Archdais’ official communication channels. Participants are also advised to check their spam or promotions folder in case any email is missed.
55Can teams from the same college apply for group discounts?
Yes. Group discounts are available for five or more teams registering together. The teams may be from the same college, different colleges, or even from different disciplines, as long as the required minimum number of teams is met during registration.
56Can we ask questions during the competition?
Yes. For any competition-related queries or clarifications, participants may write to competition@archdais.com. They may also use the “Ask us a Question” section available on the Archdais website after logging in.