In the 12th Edition of ArchiNEXT, we invite students to rise to the challenge of designing local domestic airports that truly reflect the unique culture and identity of their communities while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With the sky as the limit, we encourage aspiring architects to develop innovative and sustainable gateways that connect not only destinations but also people and traditions. We proudly present the ArchiNEXT 2026 theme – LIPARAN: Crafting Gateways That Connect Cultures.

LIPARAN combines the idea of flight with connection and movement. It represents airports as gateways that create linkages of local cultures. LIPARAN: Crafting Gateways That Connect Cultures highlights the challenge of designing airports that reflect community identity while welcoming travelers. This theme encourages creating spaces that connect people and celebrate heritage in a sustainable and meaningful way.

The design challenge – The design challenge invites participants to reimagine regional airport terminals as vibrant cultural gateways that strengthen local communities and boost tourism. Participants are tasked with creating airports that reflect the unique identity and heritage of their regions while providing flexible spaces for social and cultural activities. The goal is to design terminals that not only improve connectivity but also celebrate local traditions and foster economic growth through sustainable and innovative architecture.

By integrating cultural elements and sustainable materials, participants contribute to preserving and promoting the region’s distinct character. Designs should balance present-day functionality with future adaptability, ensuring the airport remains a meaningful and welcoming hub for both residents and visitors. This challenge encourages creative thinking that connects people, culture, and place, aiming to leave a lasting positive impact on the community and its tourism landscape.

The scope of the design competition will be limited to the Terminal Building and its immediate environment. This includes vehicle and pedestrian flow such as drop-off areas, sidewalks circulation, parking, landscape and hardscape areas, and public transport pickup and drop-off points. The competition does not cover the design of airport runways, control towers, or other ancillary airport facilities.

Competition Entry
ArchiNEXT is open to 3rd and 4th-year bona fide Architecture students currently enrolled in any CHED-accredited and recognized College and University in the Philippines. Only one (1) entry per student or group is allowed.

Individual:

• A 3rd or 4th-year enrolled architecture student.
• Must not belong to any group that will submit an entry in ArchiNEXT 2026.

Group:

• Maximum of 3 members only per group.
• All members should either be a group of 3rd-year or 4th-year students or mixed year level.
• All members should be enrolled in the same College/University only.

Application Requirements

• ArchiNEXT 2026 Entry Form
• ArchiNEXT 2026 Endorsement Letter with the school’s letterhead signed by the College Dean or Department Chair of Architecture ONLY
• Copy of School ID or Registration Form
• 2×2 ID Photo

Target Site Location:

• Participants may choose an existing terminal site within the airport complex to design a completely new structure from the ground up, replacing any current facilities.
• Participants have complete freedom to select any site within the local area that reflects and promotes the region’s culture and tourism potential, encouraging community integration and cultural expression.
• Alternatively, if the existing structure has national significance or heritage value, participants may retain and integrate a portion of the space or elements into the new design, promoting preservation alongside innovation and cultural expression.

Technical Requirements:

• Floor Area: 2,500 sq. m. (Minimum)
• Lot Area: 10,000 sq. m. (Maximum)

Note: The floor area should comfortably fit within the lot size, allowing sufficient space around for landscaping, circulation, and other site elements, respecting the maximum lot boundary.

The lot allocation should also accommodate parking spaces for cars, buses, jeepneys, motorcycles, and other vehicles as per National Building Code (NBC) requirements, while respecting the maximum lot boundary.

Site Requirements:
The social space should be thoughtfully designed to meet the diverse needs of both the community and visitors, fostering a welcoming environment that supports comfort, accessibility, cultural expression, and vibrant social interaction. It can include the following suggested amenities and facilities, with the option to add more based on community needs:

• Seamless Drop-off and pick up zones
• Efficient check-in and security areas ensuring smooth passenger flow.
• Passenger lounges with adjustable seating and amenities for comfort.
• Streamlined luggage collection point
• Comfortable sitting areas with shaded structures for socializing.
• Flexible gathering spaces suitable for various events and activities.

• Accessible pathways and waiting areas with barrier-free design and clear signage.
• Pasalubong Center that reflects the unique characteristic and culture of the region.

• Local art installations or cultural displays celebrating heritage

• Retail and dining zones offering local products and cuisine to enrich the experience.

• Iconic, accessible public toilets with PWD-friendly designs.

Specified Output

1. Maximum of four design plates in A3 size paper in portrait or landscape orientation. Ensure the text is legible when passing the digital copy. A project title is required.

• 1st-2nd pages: Project Title, Location and Vicinity Map, Site Development, Aerial Perspectives, Lot Plan
• 3rd-4th pages: Detailed Floor Plans, Sections, Elevations, Spots, and other pertinent details
• Label the plates from 1-4.

2. A full narrative of the overall design concept (300-400 words only) on A4 size paper. Include “before” photos of the chosen site on a separate page.

Reminder: Name/s and your school should only be at the back side of the papers.

3. The TOP 10 designs must submit an AI-generated vision illustrating how their airport social space will look 50 years from now, showcasing future technology, culture, and sustainability in a compelling and innovative way.

Submissions:

All entries must be submitted online via the official website. Submissions are accepted exclusively through this platform to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

All required documents and materials must be submitted online through the “Submission Tab” on the ArchiNEXT website.

All entries must be submitted exclusively via this platform to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Alternatively, submissions may be completed via Google Forms, with the link to be provided in forthcoming updates on the ArchiNEXT website and Facebook page.

Softcopy

1. Prepare the soft copy versions of the following:
• Full narrative of Design Concept in .pdf or .docx format
• Accomplished application requirements in .pdf format:
• ArchiNEXT 2025 Entry Form
• ArchiNEXT 2025 Endorsement Letter with the school’s letterhead signed by the College Dean or Department Chair of Architecture ONLY
• Copy of School ID or Registration Form
• 2×2 ID Photo
2. Soft copy versions must be labeled as follows Project Title_Surname 1, Surname 2, Surname 3

   Note: corrupted files will be disqualified

Deadline
The deadline for submission is on December 31, 2025. Entries sent or shipped past the deadline won’t be accepted. Submissions with incomplete output and requirements will be disqualified.

Screening Process
Initial Screening

• The ArchiNEXT Team will assign Entry Numbers to all the submissions and filter out the disqualified entries. Grounds for disqualification:
• Plagiarism
• Wrong output and/or incomplete requirements
• Corrupted files
• Qualified entries will be checked by the first batch of judges (initial screening judges) to select the ones that will pass to the next stage of screening.

Pre-screening

• The selected qualified entries from the initial screening will then be reviewed and scored by the first batch of judges (pre-screening judges).
• The top scorers will make up the “Magic Number” and proceed to the Final Screening.

Final Screening

• The entries in the “Magic Number” will be evaluated and scored by the third batch of judges (final screening judges).
• The entries will be ranked based on the evaluation scores of the judges to identify the ten (10) finalists and special awardees. The students will be
  notified of their inclusion as finalists in no particular order.
• The top half of the finalists will be informed to proceed to the last round of the screening – the deliberation.

Deliberation

• The scores will be reset to zero during the deliberation.
• The students will be given 5-10 minutes to present their design entry similar to a thesis defense.
• The entries will then be critiqued and scored based on their presentation. This will determine the TOP 10 ranking of the winners.

Reminders:
– In participating, the students agree to have their names and/or designs published in a third-party publication or any other medium without extra fee or charge. Likewise, all entries shall become the property of Hocheng Philippines Corporation.
– Plagiarism of any form shall not be accepted and will be considered disqualified.
– Judges’ decision is final.
– Hocheng Philippines Corporation shall also shoulder the travel cost and accommodation of competition winners only residing in the provinces (outside Metro Manila with at least 4 hours of travel by land).
– Tickets and accommodation are not convertible to cash.

Major Prizes

Grand Winner	Php120,000
Top 2	Php 60,000
Top 3	Php 40,000
Top 4 and 5	Php 20,000
Top 6-10)	Php 15,000

Special Award Prizes

Most Innovative	Php 15,000
Best Presentation	Php 10,000
Most Popular	Php 10,000

School Counterpart Prizes

Gold	Php 25,000
Silver	Php 20,000
Bronze	Php 15,000
Most Participative	Php 5,000

NOTE: The screening process is still subject to changes shall there be any valid reason or recommendation from the judges and management. The ArchiNEXT Team will publicly announce modification through the website and our Facebook Page.

1. Creativity and Innovation (25%)

– Originality of the design concept.
– Innovative integration of natural elements and green spaces.
– Creative use of materials and technologies.
– Visual appeal and enhancement of urban aesthetics.
– Harmonious integration with surrounding landscape and architecture.

2. Efficient Design and Layout (20%)

– Clear organization that supports smooth movement and flow.
– Effective zoning of different functions with strong connectivity.
– Sustainable strategies that improve environmental quality and resilience.
– Use of durable, low-maintenance materials and methods.

3. Community and Cultural Integration (15%)

– Reflection of local culture and heritage.
– Spaces that promote social interaction and connection.
– Inclusive design accessible to diverse users.
– Encouragement of community ownership and engagement.

4. Functionality, Practicality & Sustainability (15%)

– Meeting current and future user and operational needs.
– Efficient space use and functional amenities.
– Consideration of maintenance and lifecycle costs.
– Flexibility to accommodate evolving uses and demands.
– Integration of sustainable design strategies and eco-friendly materials.

5. Constructability (15%)

– Feasibility of design implementation.
– Ease and efficiency of construction processes.
– Realistic application of design solutions within budget and timeline.
– Use of readily available materials and technologies.

6. Narrative and Conceptual Clarity (10%)

– Clear, coherent presentation of concept and vision.
– Alignment with the theme of lasting legacies.
– Strength of storytelling to inspire and engage audiences.
– Effective communication of design intentions.

ArchiNEXT 2026 Entry Form
ArchiNEXT 2026 Endorsement Letter
ArchiNEXT 2026 Scholars Endorsement Form
Complete Mechanics