The Ecological Design Challenge
Dezeen Competitions: QCP's competition calls for designers to create a piece of furniture, object or device that "goes beyond conventional site furnishings".
According to QCP, the design should contribute to shaping a sustainable, resilient city.
This competition is now closed
Organiser: QCP
Competition: The Ecological Design Challenge
Judges: yet to be announced
Registration deadline: 15 January 2026
Winner announcement: 15 April 2026
Prizes: Prizes will be split into two categories: students and professionals. Students who win the first prize will receive $1,500 and have their prototype developed. Second-prize student winners will receive $500. For professionals, first prize winners will receive $3,000 and have their prototype developed. Second prize winners will receive $1,500
Competition overview
The Ecological Design Challenge is a call to action for designers, architects, engineers and creative thinkers to reimagine the role of site elements in shaping sustainable, resilient cities.
For 50 years, QCP has been a leader in precast concrete site furniture. Now, we are asking bigger questions. Can site elements do more than provide comfort and utility? Can they actively contribute to climate resilience? Can precast concrete, a material known for its strength and adaptability, become a medium for ecological innovation?
We invite participants to design a piece of furniture, an object, or a device that goes beyond conventional site furnishings. Your design should not only serve people, it should also contribute to environmental solutions.
This challenge aims to publish boundaries and explore new intersections between design, ecology and material innovation.
Here are some design possibilities:
- A stormwater collection device integrated into a seating element
- A modular system that prevents slope erosion while creating community gathering spaces
- A waterfront edge structure that stabilises soil, supports vegetation, and provides a habitat for wildlife
- A public bench that doubles as a nesting space for pollinators or birds
- A drinking fountain that also functions as a bird bath
This is the inaugural edition of what will become an annual competition. Our goal is to spark bold, implementable ideas that redefine the role of site furniture in addressing ecological and climate challenges.
Eligibility and judging criteria
Architects, landscape architects, and industrial designers are encouraged to apply.
The competition is split into two categories: a professional category and a student category.
By participating, you'll join a dialogue about building resilient, sustainable communities, and you'll contribute to shaping the future of our shared landscapes.
The judges are looking for
- Innovation and creativity: how imaginative and original is the idea?
- Environmental impact: does it meaningfully address ecological or climate-related challenges?
- Feasibility and functionality: can the design be realistically implemented using precast concrete?
- Design quality: does the piece demonstrate aesthetic excellence and thoughtful detailing?
Prizes will be split into two categories, too. Students who win the first prize will receive $1,500 and have their prototype developed. Second-prize student winners will receive $500.
For professionals, prize winners will receive $3,000 USD and have their prototype developed. Second prize winners will receive $1,500.
How to enter
Designers can register here.
Submission deadlines
The window for asking any questions closes on 30 December 2025. The registration deadline is 15 January 2026.
Projects should be submitted on 28 February, and winners will be announced on 15 April 2026.
About QCP
QCP is a manufacturer of precast concrete architectural amenities and site furnishings since 1976.
The company is committed to building a greener and safer environment and helps architects achieve LEED project points with environmentally-friendly precast concrete, steel and wood solutions.
To learn more about QCP, visit its website.
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