Epistle Writing Prize 2024 - Uncovering Emerging Voices on the Built Environment

The Epistle Writing Prize is an annual competition dedicated to recognising outstanding writing on design, architecture and environment. Celebrating the power of the written word, we invite you to inform, intrigue or persuade readers by presenting novel arguments or interesting narratives on the built environment. Stemming from our mission to democratise architectural discourse, the 2024 edition seeks to highlight compelling voices and stories from the Global South, bringing attention to previously unheard perspectives. 

 Brief: 

What does the world need to hear about design, architecture, and urbanism today? Here is your chance to use your voice to shed light on a contemporary issue or tell an interesting tale about the built environment. Use the power of words in any form—from prose to poetry, narrative to expository. 

 Categories: 

1.Go Sharp: Tell a compelling story and bring unheard perspectives into popular discourse. Introduce the subject and write a short but impactful piece that opens our eyes to a building, an issue, or anything in between. Suggested number of words: 600 words or under 

 2. Break it Down: Guide us through an engaging exploration as you break down an issue, present an argument or narrate a tale related to the world of design, architecture and urbanism. Suggested number of words: 800–1000 

 Eligibility: 

The competition is open to all individuals under the age of 40. 

All submissions must be in the English language. 

All entries must be original and unpublished works. 

Participants are allowed to make only one entry per category.

Judges: 

• Nupur Joshi Thanks , Founder and Creative Director at The Paper Planes Agency 

• Christele Harrouk, Managing Editor at ArchDaily 

• Ellie Stathaki, Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper 

• Bijoy Ramachandran, Architect, Urban Designer and Partner at Hundredhands 

• Nidhi Adlakha, Principal Correspondent, The Hindu

Judging Criteria: 

1. Relevance: Is the theme pertinent to contemporary global issues? Does it respond well to the brief? 

2. Clarity and Cohesion: Does the piece follow a logical flow and maintain clear structure? 

3. Creativity: Does the piece use language in a creative and engaging manner? Does it both inform and delight? 

4. Impact: Would the piece succeed in introducing ideas about the built environment into public discourse? What is its potential influence or contribution?

Prizes: One winner and one honourable mention will be awarded in each category.

Winner receives: 

• Prize money of Rs 25,000/- 

• A copy of Writing about Architecture by Alexandra Lange 

• Potential publication in ArchDaily, Wallpaper* or similar leading publications. 

• Amplification through Epistle’s social media channels 

• Free access to the Epistle Academy Writing Course

• Prize money of Rs 15,000/-

• A copy of Writing about Architecture by Alexandra Lange 

• Potential publication in ArchDaily, Wallpaper* or similar leading publications.

 • Amplification through Epistle’s social media channels 

• Free access to Epistle Academy Writing Course

Submit your entries here.