Archdais | Competitions
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Frequently asked questions

1Is there any height restriction for the building?

Yes, the total height of the building should not exceed 15.6 m


2What is the design challenge?

The challenge is to design an inclusive and accessible educational centre for the visually impaired that offers a transformative experience for learners.


3What is the emphasis on sensory engagement in the design criteria?

As the primary users are visually impaired, the design should provide a rich sensory experience – including touch, sound, and smell – to compensate for the lack of visual cues.


4Are there any parking requirements?

Yes, parking should be minimum 20% of the Site-up area as per the competition brief.


5Who should consider entering this competition?

This competition is a perfect fit for anyone passionate about innovative architecture and social change, especially architects, architecture students, urban planners, and design enthusiasts. If you believe in the power of design to reshape experiences and transform lives, especially for blind learners, this competition is a platform for you to manifest your ideas.


6What are the competition deadlines?

The competition follows a timeline with three registration periods: 1. Early Registration: Ends on 31st August 2023 2. Standard Registration: Ends on 25th September 2023 3. Late Registration: Final date for registration is 30th September 2023 Please note, all participants have until 5th October 2023 to submit their design proposals. Plan accordingly to make sure you don't miss these important deadlines!


7What are the design criteria?

The design criteria include wayfinding and navigation, sensory engagement, flexibility and collaboration, and safety. These are described in detail in the competition brief.


8Is there a specific location for this project?

Yes, the project is located in Guwahati, Assam, India. A detailed description of the site context, as well as a 2D CAD file and photographs of the existing school, can be downloaded from our website. Search the location of the site through these coordinates: 26°06'06.8"N 91°47'54.3"E


9What is the nature of the competition and is it open for all?

Vision Beyond Sight: A School for Blind Learners" is an open ideas competition, looking to ignite imagination and innovation worldwide. We aim to encourage designs that serve the distinctive needs of blind learners, but there are no plans to construct the winning designs. This competition is open to anyone passionate about design - whether you're a student, an architect, or a design enthusiast. It's an invitation to reimagine, innovate, and shape a brighter future for blind education.


10Is there any specific theme for the competition?

The central theme is 'Inclusive Design for Blind Learners', but we encourage creative interpretations. We're looking for designs that cater to blind learners and transcend conventional design approaches. Feel free to explore your creativity within this inclusive design framework.


11Why was the site in Assam chosen for the competition, and what is the significance of the existing school on the premises?

The location in Assam was selected due to the region's need for more educational facilities for the visually impaired, despite its dense population. Its strategic position offers better accessibility, connecting remote areas with urban hubs. As for the existing school, this competition is purely hypothetical and is designed to stimulate innovative design ideas for schools catering to blind learners. The suggested replacement of the existing school is part of this idea exploration process, not an intent for actual construction.


12Can you elaborate on the space allocation, zoning, and public accessibility in the design? Can additional spaces be proposed?

The brief suggests areas for education, culture, and administration within a total built-up area of 5000 sq m. Participants have the freedom to propose additional spaces and determine space allocation. Public access is permitted in areas like the exhibition spaces, cultural center, and cafe during specific events. Innovation is encouraged, considering the needs of visually impaired individuals.


13How many team members can participate and can we change team members after registration?

A team can have up to 3 members and cannot exceed this number. Participants who desire to participate individually can do so by filling and submitting the details for the team leader. Teams can add new members as long as their total members do not exceed 3. To do this, please send us your request on competition@archdais.com with the details of the new team member along with the team Unique Teamcode.


14What would the size of the submission sheet be?

The participants are required to use 1 (ONE) A1 sheet i.e. (841 x 594 mm), (33.1 x 23.4 inch). The sheets must be composed in Landscape orientation, with the Unique Team Code on the top right corner.


15What should be the submission file size?

The file size should not exceed more than 10MB.


16What is the judging criteria for this project?

The competition's judging criteria focus on four key areas: the inclusiveness and innovation of your design, the originality and creativity it demonstrates (the 'X-Factor'), how comprehensively your design meets the competition requirements, and how effectively you present and communicate your design idea. Ultimately, we're looking for thoughtful designs that can truly serve and enhance the learning experience for blind students.


17Who is the Jury for ‘Vision Beyond Sight’ Competition?

We will be announcing an exciting panel of seasoned experts specializing in inclusive design and educational spaces for the visually impaired for the 'Vision Beyond Sight' competition. Stay tuned to archdais.com for the big reveal soon.


18How do I register, receive my unique team code, and submit my competition entry?

To register, visit ‘Vision Beyond Sight’ Competition page on archdais.com and click on the 'Participate Now' button. Fill out the registration form with your team's details and make the payment. You will receive a unique team code via email upon completion of the registration process. If you don't receive the team code after making the payment, retrieve it by visiting the competition page, clicking on 'Get my Teamcode', and entering your transaction ID and registered email ID. If this doesn't work, email us at competition@archdais.com with the subject line "Unique Identification Code Issue" and include a screenshot of your payment receipt. We aim to resolve such issues within 24-36 business hours. Participants can submit their entries through the 'Submit' button found on the competition page after registering. Your submission should adhere to the guidelines provided, which include design proposal sheets and a project description. For issues, entries can be sent to submission@archdais.com. Detailed submission requirements can be found in the competition brief.


19How will participants receive their Unique Team Code?

Participants will receive their unique Team Code upon completing the registration process.


20Are multiple entries allowed, and how should they be registered?

Yes, participants can submit multiple entries, but each entry requires a separate email ID.


21What should participants do if payments are unavailable in their country or if they face issues?

If you encounter payment issues, please email competition@archdais.com to request alternate payment methods. We will provide all available options.


22Can we submit hand-drawn submissions?

Yes, hand-drawn sheets are allowed. Scan and email them to submission@archdais.com, following all guidelines.


23Where should participants use their unique Team Code?

Your Team Code should be included in the top right corner of the submission sheet, in the email subject line (if submitting via email), and as the file name.


24What should participants do if they don’t receive a Unique Identification Code after payment?

If you don’t receive your Team Code after payment, send a screenshot of your payment receipt to competition@archdais.com within two working days.


25Is there an entry fee for the competition?

Yes, there is an entry fee. Details on the fee are provided in the competition brief.


26What is a promo code, and how can participants get one? Is it mandatory?

Promo codes are available for fee discounts but are optional. Obtain a promo code from Archdais influencers or check our Instagram @archdais.competitions for offers.


27How can participants get further help and support?

For additional questions, email us competition@archdais.com or whatsapp us on +91 9145709003


28Are group discounts available?

Yes, To encourage greater participation—especially among students, institutions, and firms—group discounts are available for 5 or more team registrations. You can either add multiple teams during checkout or email us at competition@archdais.com with the subject line: ‘C25 Group Discount’ to avail the offer.