The Architect’s Chair #5

The Architect’s Chair #5 challenges participants to design a chair as an architectural object, bridging form, function, materiality, and spatial thinking.

illustrarch Team23 December 20251 Mins read1

Submission Deadline: Monday, May 5, 2026

Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Prize: €5,000

Type: Open

Fee: €120

The Architect’s Chair Competition offers architects and designers an exciting opportunity to showcase their creativity by designing a signature chair that embodies their unique architectural vision. Inspired by the tradition of renowned architects creating custom furniture as an extension of their work, this competition challenges participants to distill their design philosophy into a single, iconic piece.

Throughout history, architects such as Charles and Ray Eames, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer, and Arne Jacobsen have crafted chairs that seamlessly integrate function, aesthetics, and innovation. The Architect’s Chair #5 competition continues this legacy, encouraging participants to explore new materials, construction techniques, and ergonomic solutions to create furniture that is both functional and artistically compelling.

Now in its fifth edition, this competition pushes architects and designers to bridge the gap between architecture and product design. By crafting a chair that reflects their distinct style, participants contribute to the ongoing dialogue between these two disciplines. Take a seat and let your creativity unfold!

PRIZES

3 winning proposals, 2 special award recipients and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Buildner will award a total of 10,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:

1st Prize – 5,000 €
2nd Prize – 2,500 €
3rd Prize – 1,000 €

6 honourable mentions

Buildner Student Award – 1,000 €
Buildner Sustainability Award – 500 €