WHAT IS UNDC?
UNDC stands for UAPSA National Design Competition. It is established as a
prestigious platform for aspiring architects across the Philippines to showcase their
creativity, innovation, and vision for the future of architecture. Through this competition,
the United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary (UAPSA) aims to inspire young
designers to contribute meaningful solutions to the built environment, addressing both
contemporary and future challenges. This initiative fosters a culture of collaboration,
critical thinking, and professional growth among architecture students, encouraging
them to apply their academic knowledge and creative skills to real-world problems.
The competition serves as an opportunity for participants to explore the
intersection of design, culture, sustainability, and resilience, promoting architectural
solutions that align with the unique needs and aspirations of the Filipino people. By
participating in this competition, students are encouraged to reflect on the role of
architecture in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable society. The UAPSA
National Design Competition ultimately seeks to cultivate a new generation of Filipino
architects who are well-equipped to make impactful contributions to their communities
and to the field of architecture.
2025 THEME
With the theme "Evolve," the first UAPSA National Design Competition invites
participants to envision the future of Filipino architecture as a continuous journey of
exploration, innovation, and transformation. "Evolve" reflects the idea of reimagining
something deeply rooted in Filipino culture—elements of traditional design, cultural
practices, and architectural methods—and transforming them to meet modern
demands and the needs of the community. This evolution should respond to pressing
global challenges, such as climate change, urbanization, and social inequality, while
maintaining the integrity of cultural values.
This theme encourages students to look beyond the present limitations of design,
envisioning new possibilities and opportunities for innovation. It symbolizes the process of
transforming traditional approaches to architecture, pushing them into the future in
ways that are sustainable, adaptable, and resilient. "Evolve" also mirrors the continuous
growth of the UAPSA organization itself—an organization that is constantly evolving and
transforming to support the advancement of Filipino architects.
CRITERIA
a. Project Background (10%) - Clear context, relevance, and inspiration for the
design proposal.
b. Problem Statement (10%) - Identification and clarity of the core issue or
challenge addressed.
c. Design Solution (15%) - Innovative, functional, and site-specific solutions
addressing the problem, with sustainability and practicality.
d. Site Location and Description (10%) - Detailed presentation of the site’s
location, significance, and influence on the design.
e. Project Goals and Objectives (10%) - Clear definition of project aspirations
aligned with the competition theme.
f. Project Concept and Vision (15%) - Original and coherent vision with a strong
narrative tied to the problem and site.
g. Project Abstract (10%) - Reflection of competition principles and goals in the
design.
h. Presentation and Communication (20%) - Clear, professional, and impactful
visual and written presentation of the proposal.
MECHANICS
PARTICIPANTS
● Open to all UAPSA Members.
● Each team must consist of 3-5 students and 1 Licensed Architect as coach.
● 1 coach is allowed to handle a maximum of 2 teams only.
● Open to all year level (same year level or mixed)
● Teams must be enrolled from the same university/college only.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
● Teams may select their preferred site, building type, or area as the focus for
their entry (Project Proposal).
● Application Requirements
● Any relevant visual materials highlighting the key challenges of the project and
the team’s approach to addressing them.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Participants must submit the following in PDF format: (maximum of 100mb)
1. Application Form: Provided by UAPSA, with a 2x2 formal photo of each
participant attached.
2. Endorsement Letter: Signed by the Dean or Program Chair and UAPSA Chapter
Adviser & Chapter President
3. School Registration Form/Certificate of Registration
4. School I.D.: Scanned copy for each participant.
5. Written document: Contains the general abstract and supporting details of the
project proposal. A maximum of 500 words in Arial Narrow, font size 12, on
A4-sized paper.
6. Project Proposal:
○ File Name: [Area-District_Chapter_Group Name]
○ Format: A3 size paper, maximum of 3 pages.
○ Project Proposal Outline:
The proposal must include the following sections:
● Project Background: Provide context for the design proposal,
including its relevance and inspiration.
● Problem Statement: Identify the core issue or challenge that the
design aims to address.
● Design Solution: Present an innovative, functional, and site-specific
response to the identified problem, emphasizing sustainability and
practicality.
● Site Location and Description: Detail the location, its significance,
and its influence on the design approach.
● Site Analysis: Present findings on the site’s conditions, constraints,
and opportunities,and how these were integrated into the design.
● Project Goals and Objectives: Outline the intended outcomes and
aspirations of the design, aligned with the competition theme.
● Project Concept: Explain the overarching idea and vision,
connecting it to the problem statement and site context.
● Project Abstract: Specify how the design aligns with the
competition's principles and goals.
DEADLINE OF PROPOSAL: MARCH 07, 2025 (11:59 p.m.)
EXTENDED DEADLINE OF PROPOSAL: MARCH 14, 2025 (11:59 p.m.)
SUBMISSION LINK: https://forms.gle/PCk65c86FZ7umwxdA
PROCESS
PRE-SCREENING
The UNDC Team will assign Entry Numbers to all submissions and filter out the
disqualified entries. Grounds for disqualification:
- Late entries will not be accepted
- Submissions with incomplete output and requirements will be disqualified.
- Strictly no name or any identification of the owner on the pages. Any marks that
will be seen will have a corresponding deduction.
- Double-check the file before submitting. Any corrupted file will not be included
and graded.
- Plagiarism of any form shall not be accepted and will be considered disqualified.
- The use of AI is not allowed.
FINAL SCREENING
The selected qualified entries from the pre-screening will then be reviewed and
scored by the judges.
The top 7 entries / teams will make up the “shortlists” and proceed to the 3 days
design festival.
PRESENTATION / DELIBERATION
The top 7 teams and their mentors will receive complimentary three-day festival
passes.
Teams are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation to
attend the festival.
A final briefing will be held on Day 1 , where an additional design element will be
introduced, to be incorporated into the final proposals.
Over the course of two days, participants will work on refining their proposals
based on the competition guidelines.
Teams will have access to the workspace from morning to evening during the first
two days of the festival to maximize their creative output and finalize their designs.
Duration: 15-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session.
Basic Design Materials during the 3 Days Design Festival
To ensure accessibility and uniformity, the following basic materials will be
provided to all teams:
● Paper: High-quality sheets for sketches and drafting.
● Markers and Pencils: A variety of colors and types for detailed drawings and
conceptual work.
● Additional materials, if needed, must be brought by the participants, provided
they align with competition rules.
PRIZES
During the Awarding Night, the following prizes will be awarded to outstanding teams:
1. Cash Prizes:
○ 1st Place: ₱ for the winning group
○ Consolation Prizes: ₱ for each of the remaining shortlisted groups.
2. Awards:
○ Plaque: Awarded to the winning team.
○ Medals: Distributed among individuals of the shortlisted teams.
○ Certificates of Recognition: Presented to shortlisted individuals.
3. Additional Recognition:
○ Selected teams may also receive sponsored prizes from event partners or
sponsors.
Announcement of Winners:
● Winners will be officially announced during the Awarding Day on Day 3 of the
festival.
● Winning teams will also have their designs showcased on various UAPSA
platforms to celebrate their achievement and inspire future architects.
