AIDA website - architecture

Spatial Design

This category celebrates innovative spatial design grounded in African identity and forward-thinking expression. From architecture and interior design to landscape and urban planning, it highlights projects that redefine space while honouring cultural heritage, sustainability, and social impact. The AIDA Awards recognise visionary designers shaping the built environment across Africa.

Through the Africa International Design Awards – Spatial Design, we celebrate the essential role of space in shaping how we live, work, and connect. With 23 categories spanning Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning, the awards honour designers who skillfully balance creative expression with functionality.

Architecture is more than aesthetics — it’s about shaping environments rooted in purpose, culture, and context. It considers the needs, lifestyles, and values of the people who inhabit a space and translates them into meaningful, built forms. As one of humanity’s oldest creative sciences, architecture draws from millennia of innovation and tradition. Today’s African designers continue this legacy, infusing contemporary spaces with heritage, identity, and a vision for the future.

Submission Details

Entries may be submitted as conceptual designs, projects in progress, or completed works. The only requirement is that the project must be no more than five years old at the time of submission.

Submissions should include high-quality images showcasing key angles and views of the space or structure, as well as contextual visuals that highlight how the design interacts with its environment. Where applicable, please provide architectural drawings, plans, sections, or concept sketches that help illustrate the design process and creative intent.

If the project involves a renovation, restoration, or adaptive reuse, be sure to include before-and-after images to demonstrate the transformation. For multi-structure or large-scale projects, an overall site rendering or overview image is recommended.

Submissions are welcome from companies, independent designers, and students. Please note that winners are selected based on a single project, not on a full portfolio or body of work.

Submission Requirements

  • Provide a brief description of the architectural or spatial project, including its concept, inspiration, intended function, materials used, and contextual relevance (cultural, environmental, or social).
  • Include a profile of the designer, student, design firm, or academic institution involved.
  • List all contributors who played a role in the development of the project (e.g., lead architect/designer, interior designer, landscape architect, engineer, project manager, mentor, or professor).
  • Upload up to 10 images showcasing the project from multiple perspectives — including exterior and interior views, details, and images in context (e.g., site surroundings or user interaction). You may also include your company or studio logo.
  • If applicable, provide design development visuals such as concept sketches, technical drawings, plans, sections, elevations, renderings, or mood boards that support the overall narrative.
  • For renovation, restoration, or adaptive reuse projects, include clear before-and-after images to highlight the transformation.
  • Include a Spatial Design Specification PDF (recommended for conceptual or student projects) — with relevant details such as site plans, materials, dimensions, or construction notes.

For more information, please download the AIDA Awards entry guide 2026.

Categories

  • Cultural Building Architecture
  • Religious & Spiritual Building Architecture
  • Commercial & Retail Architecture
  • Public Building Architecture
  • Industrial Architecture
  • Residential Architecture
  • Hospitality Architecture
  • Mixed-Use Building Architecture
  • Urban Planning
  • Emergency and Temporary Housing
  • Sustainable & Energy-Saving Buildings
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Other Architectural Projects
  • Commercial & Retail Interior
  • Public Building Interior
  • Hospitality Interior
  • Cultural Building Interior
  • Religious & Spiritual Building Interior
  • Residential Interior
  • Office Interior Design
  • Sustainable Interior Design
  • Renovation Interior Design
  • Other Interior Designs

Spatial Design Jury Members

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Categories and Submission FAQ

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You may enter the same product design into as many categories as you see fit. In fact, doing so may increase your chances of winning. However, there is an additional fee for each additional category you enter.

No, you may submit as many entries as you wish, and if you submit multiple entries at the same time.

The jury will select the winners in each category based on individual designs and products, not on an entire body of work/collection of work, so each design or project should be submitted as a separate entry.

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© 2026 Africa International Design Awards