Arquine Competition No.28 | MEXTRÓPOLI Pavilion 2026

Since 1998, Arquine has organized an architecture competition that enables the comparison of ideas and proposals under equal conditions. As in recent editions, the Arquine Competition No. 28 invites participants to design, build, and activate a pavilion in the Historic Center of Mexico City, within the framework of MEXTRÓPOLI, the Architecture and City Festival.

Participants are asked to design a piece that meets the conditions specified in these competition rules in terms of time, cost, and characteristics, while also considering its capacity to provoke and engage the public—an essential aspect for the evaluation of each proposal.

Objectives

• To invite, on a universal scale, ideas for the design and construction of a public, recyclable, or reusable pavilion that meets the requirements established in these rules.

• To make the pavilion a reference space within MEXTRÓPOLI, the Architecture and City Festival, fostering reflection and dialogue about architecture and the city.

 

Required Documentation

Participants must submit a single digital image clearly presenting the project. The image must include:

• Site plan, floor plans, and sections, with clearly indicated scales suitable for proper reading.

• Diagrams, perspectives, sketches, collages, or any other free technique that helps communicate the idea.

• Constructive details as needed for comprehension, at appropriate scale.

• A descriptive text of up to 250 words, in English or Spanish.

The image must be horizontal, 90 cm (width) x 60 cm (height), at 72 DPI, in JPG format, and no larger than 5 MB.

The file name must match the registration code [ARQ-28C-XXXX].

Only submissions uploaded through the competition platform within the established deadlines will be evaluated.

Once Arquine’s team has downloaded the submissions after the final deadline (April 20th, 2026), participants will receive a confirmation email within 72 hours.

Awards

First Prize

100,000 MXN 

- Construction of the MEXTRÓPOLI Pavilion 2026* 

- Free access to MEXTRÓPOLI for up to two team members 

- A set of up to ten Arquine books

Second Prize 

50,000 MXN

- Free access to MEXTRÓPOLI for up to two team members 

- A set of up to ten Arquine books

Third Prize

25,000 MXN 

- Free access to MEXTRÓPOLI for up to two team members 

- A set of up to ten Arquine books

Honorable Mention

- The jury may grant as many mentions as it deems appropriate

All monetary prizes include applicable taxes.

*The winning team must oversee the development of the executive project, provide Arquine with the necessary construction drawings, and collaborate during the construction phase of the pavilion as agreed with Arquine’s team.

**Access to MEXTRÓPOLI events will be granted upon prior request by the winners.

Competition Calendar

2025	November 17	Opening of registration
2026	February 23	End of inquiry period
2026	March 2	Publication of FAQs
2026	April 17	End of registration period
2026	April 20	Submission deadline
2026	April 23	Jury deliberation
2026	April 27	Announcement of results
2026	May	Beginning of executive development
2026	September	Pavilion installation and opening

Details: arquine.com/obra/el-arbol-que-se-fue-flotando