In Between 2 Conceptual Design Architecture & Civil Engineering Competition

“In Between” öğrenci yarışmasının ikinci edisyonu, American University of Cyprus ve American University of Ras Al Khaimah işbirliği ile düzenleniyor. Yarışma, kent dokusunu güçlendirmeyi ve kullanılmayan kentsel alanları yaratıcı biçimlerde yeniden işlevlendirmeyi hedefleyerek, genç mimarları ve inşaat mühendislerini bir araya getirmeyi amaçlıyor. Yarışma için son başvuru tarihi ise 27 Şubat 2026.

Competition Brief

The second edition of the student competition “In Between”, a collaborative initiative between the American University of Cyprus, and American University of Ras Al Khaimah it aims to bring together aspiring architects and civil engineers to enhance the urban fabric and creatively repurpose underutilized urban spaces.

The competition invites undergraduate students of architecture, interior architecture, and civil engineering to design a conceptual struc-ture that inhabits a tangible “in-between” space—such as areas often overlooked or underutilized beneath or between road intersections, bridges, buildings, or other urban voids. Participants are encouraged to propose inno-vative architectural solutions that activate and transform these spaces, making them functional and meaningful while addressing broader social, environmental, and urban issues. The proposed structure should creatively occupy the space between two distinct elements—whether built, natural, or urban—and explore ideas of connection, transition, and interaction. Designs should add value to the site by being not only functional and visually compelling, but also sensitive and responsive to the surrounding context.

The top three projects will be awarded monetary prizes.

Eligibility

• Open to currently enrolled students at MENA (Middle East and North Africa), Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, and Turkiye universities.

• Teams submissions only (minimum 2, maximum 4)

• Maximum four entries from each university

• Original work only

Site

Teams can choose their own site in either MENA, North Cyprus, or Turkiye and demonstrate and understating of site’s cultural and environmental context.

Design Requirements

• The conceptual structure must fit within a space that is “in between” two distinct tangible sites.

• Designs should emphasize innovative solutions and consider the impact on the surrounding environment – suitability, compatibility, aesthetics and flexibility.

• The project should enhance public engagement and encourage new experiences within the space.

• Entries can range from small-scale interventions to medium structures but must remain conceptual and adaptable to the site’s context.

Awards

• 1st Place: Platinum Prize AED 5000 + Certificate

• 2nd Place: Gold Prize AED 3000 + Certificate

• 3rd Place: Silver Prize AED 2000 + Certificate

• All participating teams (shortlisted or not) will receive certificates of participation.

Important Dates

Submission: February, 27th 2026 (A0 poster)

Notification of acceptance: March, 6th 2026 (Via e-mail)

Announcement of shortlisted projects: March, 6th 2026 (Via e-mail)

Shortlisted projects presentations and awards: April, 1st 2026 (Presentation at AURAK)

Submission Information

To register for the competition, send an e-mail to: [email protected]

For enquiries, contact: [email protected]