Organized by the Cement Industry Employers’ Association (ÇEİS) to encourage innovative and aesthetic uses of cement, the fourth edition of the Building Design Competition is now open for applications. First launched in 2019, this competition has provided a fresh perspective to the industry. In 2025, it will accept projects under the theme “Urban Transformation: Alternative Approaches.” Open to professionals and students in the fields of architecture, engineering, and design, the competition will award a total of 1,125,000 TL, with 750,000 TL allocated for the professional category and 375,000 TL for the student category.
Applications opened on February 13, 2025. The question submission period will continue until April 3, 2025, and projects must be submitted by May 29, 2025. The winners will be announced on July 24, 2025.
Alternative Approaches to Urban Transformation
In Turkey, especially in metropolitan areas, many buildings are being demolished and reconstructed to meet modern construction standards. Participants are expected to develop projects that explore the potential of adjacent building groups in the urban transformation process.
The ÇEİS Building Design Competition aims to push the boundaries of cement as a material, explore different usage possibilities, and highlight its impact on urban transformation. Participants are encouraged to contribute by developing innovative production and application methods.
The competition includes 14 different categories, with a total prize pool of 1,125,000 TL. The jury consists of leading experts from the industry, including Civil Engineer Ahmet Topbaş, Associate Professor Dr. Aktan Acar, Professor Dr. Celal Abdi Güzer, Architect Dr. Dürrin Süer, and Architect Melike Altınışık. The rapporteurs for the competition are Architect Aslı Erdem and Architect Sibel Senyücel from Binat Architecture Media Group.
“Our Competition Will Contribute to Sectoral Development”
ÇEİS Chairman Adil Sani Konukoğlu emphasized the importance of the competition, stating:
“The fact that our country is located in an earthquake zone constantly reminds us of the crucial importance of urban transformation. The expected major earthquake in Istanbul and the ongoing challenges of urban transformation across Turkey have been significant factors in determining this year’s theme. Our goal is to support innovative designs that will make our cities safer, more sustainable, and aesthetically appealing.
The February 6 earthquakes caused severe losses, affecting both the cement industry and companies operating in the region. These painful experiences have once again underscored the importance of earthquake-resistant structures. We believe that our competition will raise awareness in this area and contribute to the development of the sector. I have full confidence that architects and engineers participating in this competition will present creative and innovative projects that will add great value to Turkey’s urban transformation process.”
Highlights from Previous Competitions
In 2023, the competition was held under the theme “Coexistence in Public Spaces”, attracting 135 projects—57 in the professional category and 78 in the student category. The winning projects were compiled into a publication, with the “ÇARK” project securing first place in the professional category and the “Harmoni” project winning in the student category. The winning teams and jury members had the opportunity to visit Barcelona for a technical tour, where they explored leading architectural practices.
The 2021 competition focused on “Innovative Approaches in Urban Space”, receiving 96 projects—41 from professionals and 55 from students. The “Ekoton” project won in the professional category, while “Beton Motus” was awarded the best student project.
The 2019 competition saw the “Urban Catalyst” project win first place, leading to its implementation in a children’s park in İzmir Gaziemir. The third-place project, “Green Concrete,” was applied in the garden of ÇEİS’s headquarters in Yeniköy and at the Mardin Yeşilli Municipality Youth Center. Efforts to bring other winning projects to life through institutional collaborations are ongoing.
For more information on the competition and application process, visit www.yapitasarimyarismasi.com.
