The International Union of Architects (UIA) has launched an ideas contest calling on young architects to rethink UNESCO World Heritage Sites within urban contexts (Deadline: 7 March)The competition is based on the theme of the UN-Habitat World Architecture Day 2024 Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design and invites architects born after 1 January 1989 to provide innovative solutions to contemporary challenges facing landmark heritage sites around the world.The overall winners will share a 15,000 prize fund and will be announced at an awards ceremony held in Palazzo Zorzi the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe as part of the opening of this years Venice Architecture Biennale. The winning concepts will also feature in an exhibition inside Palazzo Zorzi from 8 to 15 May.According to the brief: The UIA and UNESCO, through the UNESCO-UIA Charter for Architectural Education, have long been dedicated to preparing future architects to devise innovative solutions for the present and the future.As new eras usher in profound and complex challenges, particularly regarding the social and functional degradation of many human settlements, the need for visionary architectural responses becomes increasingly critical in shaping the qualitative development of the built environment in a rapidly changing world.This initiative offers young architects an opportunity to contribute to one of the most prestigious cultural initiatives the Biennale di Venezia. Through their participation, the next generation can demonstrate their vision for enhancing the experience of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.The latest competition aligns with an exhibition being hosted by UNESCO in collaboration with The Royal Commission for AlUla looking at how Deep Surface: Polyfunctional architecture could enhance the experience of UNESCO-designated sites.The exhibition will focus on good heritage practice at UNESCO-designated sites and will be hosted inside the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe in Venice from 10 May to 23 November this year.Borobudur, BorneoCredit:Image by UNESCO Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO licenseSubmissions to the ideas contest will be judged on response to the competition goals, urban and architectural design, social impact, sustainability, contribution to improved Site Management and the coherence of the overall concept.Judges will include Magdalena Landry, director of UNESCO Office Venice; Doan Than H, founder of H&P Architects; and Omar Degan, Founder and Principal of DO Architecture Group.The overall winner of the contest will receive a 5,000 prize while a second prize of 4,000, third prize of 3,000, fourth prize of 2,000 and fifth prize of 1,000 will also be awarded.Competition detailsDeadline: Midday, 8 April 2025Competition funding source: Not suppliedProject funding source: Not suppliedOwner of site(s): Not suppliedVisit the competition website for more information