Architecture of Illusions Essay Competition

The Architecture of Illusions essay competition is looking for your thoughts and opinions on the role of illusions in architecture. What is the impact of optical illusions in architecture, if there is one at all, and how do they affect architectural designs? 

Renowned architects like Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic are just some of the names that use optical illusions in some of their most famous work. These have included mirrored or reflective surfaces, geometric shapes and lines, and stylized facades that create the illusions of shapes and space in iconic buildings around the world. 

For this essay competition, participants are invited to submit their thoughts and ideas on anything relating to the topic of illusions in both design and architecture. This could be anything, from an exploration of how artwork can modify a space purely through visual alterations, to an in-depth discussion and analysis of the power of form in terms of creating moods and atmospheres. How do illusions affect the way spaces are perceived and how are they achieved through both traditional and modern techniques? 

The topic is completely open for interpretation and all ideas are welcome on the role of illusions in architecture. Participants may submit their essays in a written format, a visual format, or a combination of the two. Winning submissions and honorable mentions will be featured in the next ARCHHIVE BOOKS’ publication "Illusions in Architecture''. 

Do you have something to say about illusions in architecture?

PRIZES 

3 winning proposals and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Bee Breeders will award a total of 1,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows: 

• 1st Prize - 600 € 
• 2nd Prize - 300 € 
• 3rd Prize - 100 € 

+ 6 honourable mentions 

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

• Final Registration: MAY 1 - JULY 16 

• Closing date for registration: JULY 16, 2021 
• Closing date for submission: SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 (11:59pm GMT) 
• Announcement of the winners: OCTOBER 26, 2021 

JURY:

Víctor Enrich Tarrés, photographer
Peter Thompson, Department of Psychology, University of York + Perception & i-Perception
Monika Woźniak, Antireality

More: architecturecompetitions.com/illusionsessay

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

• Final Registration: MAY 1 - JULY 16 

• Closing date for registration: JULY 16, 2021 
• Closing date for submission: SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 (11:59pm GMT) 
• Announcement of the winners: OCTOBER 26, 2021 

More: architecturecompetitions.com/illusionsessay