The ASEAN Architectural Design Competition 2026
20 Apr 2026
The ASEAN Architectural Design Competition 2026
(1) The ASEAN Architects Council is pleased to announce the launch of “The River Confluence: Bridging Nature, Culture and Healthy Community” Design Competition, hosted by Brunei Darussalam in collaboration with the Brunei Board of Architects, Professional Engineers and Quantity Surveyors.
(2) This prestigious competition invites innovative architectural solutions for Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas in Bandar Seri Begawan, focusing on the design of a civic building that strengthens community bonds, celebrates heritage, and promotes sustainable development along the Brunei River waterfront.
Eligibility
(3) The competition is open to all architects registered as ASEAN Architects.
(4) Architects who are interested to become ASEAN Architects may submit an application for ASEAN Architect registration together with your submission by 30 July 2026. The application form for ASEAN Architects registration can be downloaded here.
Competition Format
(5) The competition adopts a unified international format designed to celebrate talent while fostering regional engagement. Submissions from all participating member states will be evaluated at the international level, encouraging a broader discourse on innovation, identity, and sustainable urban design across the region.
(6) Each participant will be given a unique eight (8)-digit identification code which shall serve as the sole identifier for all submission materials. Participants must not include their name, affiliation, or any other identifying information within the submission. Please indicate your interest and submit any enquiries you may have between 30 April to 8 May to receive the identification code.
(7) All submissions are to be made through a dedicated, individualised submission link provided to each participant. Each link is unique, permits one (1) submission only, and must not be shared with others.
Design Requirements
(8) Participants are challenged to design a civic building within the waterfront site that serves as a community hub supporting:
- Healthy lifestyles and active living
- Cultural celebrations and community gatherings
- Social interaction and entrepreneurship
- Environmental sustainability and climate resilience
(9) The building must include flexible multi-use spaces, meeting rooms, co-working areas, essential support facilities, and food and beverage offerings, all integrated with thoughtful landscape design.
Design Principles
(10) Proposals must address the following:
- Active mobility and connectivity
- Cultural identity reflecting Brunei’s heritage
- Connection to nature with integrated landscaping
- Social interaction and community life
- Sustainability and innovation
- Site sensitivity to existing context
Evaluation Criteria
(11) Submissions will be evaluated on design concept and vision, site responsiveness and context integration, design strategies and sustainability, functional, circulation and spatial performance and social impact, visual communication and feasibility.
Prizes
(12) The winner of the competition will be rewarded with USD 5,000. In addition, the winning architect will be eligible for Registered Foreign Architect status in Brunei Darussalam with free first-year registration.
Submission deadline
(13) Enquiries (if any) and applications are to be submitted to boa_enquiry@boa.gov.sg by the deadlines stated below:
- Any enquiries regarding the competition clarifications by 30 April 2026.
- Applications for the Asean Architectural Design Competition and ASEAN Architect registration by 30 July 2026.
(14) The Board encourage all eligible architects to participate in this visionary initiative that celebrates the intersection of tradition and innovation.
(15) For more information on the competition, please refer to the Competition Information Pack here.
Ar. Tracey Hwang
Registrar
Board of Architects