In search of pioneering constructions in the Alps
© 2021 CA
For the sixth time the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein are launching Constructive Alps, a €50,000 architectural competition for sustainable renovation and construction in the Alps. The jury is inviting architects and building owners to submit projects between 2017 and 2021 that contribute to the implementation of the "net zero" climate objective within the scope of the Alpine Convention.
The competition is open to renovation, conversion and construction projects for all types of buildings: residential houses, public buildings, municipal buildings, hospitals, places of worship, village centres, railway and bus stations, agricultural buildings, tourist buildings, etc. The motto of the competition is: to protect the climate, it is better to restructure and upgrade than to demolish. In its sixth edition, Constructive Alps is once again focusing on renovations.
The jury evaluates the entries according to four criteria, taking into account the goal of "net zero".
Ecology: how does the project contribute to ecological reasoning, both in design and use? The evaluation will take into account measurable criteria such as energy indicators, but also the integration of the building into its environment and into sustainable mobility systems.
Economics: how does the project contribute to a reasonable balance between costs and benefits? The assessment will also take into account the role of materials and labour in the project.
Society: how does the project contribute to the quality of life in the place of living and on the planet? What form of housing allows for the best possible quality of life while consuming the least possible space?
Architecture: how does the project contribute to the art of building?
The competition takes place in two stages. For the first stage, the submission form available on the constructivealps.net website indicates all the data to be provided. Your application must be received by 14 January 2022 at the latest. For the second stage of the competition, the jury will select 25 buildings to visit in spring 2022. The prize-giving ceremony will take place at the beginning of September 2022 in Switzerland during the climate week in Brig. The best ideas will then be presented in the Alps and beyond, at events and travelling exhibitions to meet the public and at all occasions where the art of building is discussed.