2027 Concrete Masonry Competition

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) is pleased to announce the Concrete Masonry Design Competition for the 2026-2027 academic year. The competition is a partnership with the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA). The competition will challenge students, working individually or in teams, to explore a variety of design issues related to masonry construction on a Performing Arts Center with an emphasis on innovation in concrete masonry.

THE CHALLENGE

Performing Arts Center

A Performing Arts Center is a vital cultural hub that reflects a community’s creative spirit. It connects artists and audiences through performance, education, and imagination. The design challenge is to propose a dynamic architectural response that goes beyond a standard venue, integrating concrete masonry units (CMU), both standard and architectural, as the primary structural and finish material. Your design must serve as a major cultural catalyst by seamlessly integrating three core elements: multifunctional spaces, engaging the public and integrating the building with the community.

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