arxellence 3: historical memory meets sustainable present & future

arxellence 3 competition by alumil FOCUSES ON AN ABANDONED ISLAND IN THE AEGEAN SEA

Gyaros, also known as Gioura, is an uninhabited island in the northern Cyclades, rich in history and natural beauty. Once a city-state in ancient Greece and later a place of exile for thousands of political prisoners during turbulent periods in Greece during the 20th Century, Gyaros is now the focus of ArXellence 3, an architectural ideas competition that seeks visionary ideas for its future. The competition encourages a holistic and transdisciplinary approach to preserving the island’s historical memory while ensuring sustainable development.

Join the Arxellence 3 competition and submit your idea for a sustainable future in which historical memory is preserved for the next generations. Register here!

ArXellence 3 is an international architectural and environmental ideas competition that invites the global architectural and scientific community to submit their concept designs, focusing on the preservation and enhancement of historical memory and promoting the protection of the island’s environment and biodiversity | all images courtesy of Alumil

THE COMPETITION SEEKS ORIGINAL IDEAS for gyaros ISLAND

Alumil (see here) is spearheading the ArXellence 3 competition to seek innovative ideas for the Cycladic island. The competition invites architects and interdisciplinary teams worldwide to submit concepts that respect and preserve the island’s historical legacy for future generations. This international competition seeks to bring inspiration to Gyaros’ future as a potential Sustainable Zero-Emission Research Hub, where history and sustainability coexist harmoniously.

Gyaros, located in the northern Cyclades, is an uninhabited island rich with historical significance. Though deserted, its past is deeply embedded in its landscape. Today, Gyaros is ecologically vital, as it is home to the largest population of monk seals in the Mediterranean. ArXellence 3 seeks designs that include a museum to serve as an interactive space of memories, featuring a permanent exhibition and a library with books, photos, and documents. A research and academic center is also envisioned to host educational activities, conferences, and temporary exhibitions, promoting a dialogue between past and present.

the primary objectives of ArXellence 3 are sustainability & historical memory through a selection of concept design ideas for a Research Hub

arxellence 3 asks for a museum, laboratory, dormitory and more

Participants are encouraged to create plans that feature essential components such as a Laboratory for biodiversity preservation and environmental sustainability strategies. This facility should include spaces like conference rooms, office space, and laboratory areas, covering an area of 1,500 to 2,000 square meters.

The Dormitory should accommodate up to 100 individuals, including researchers, staff, and selected visitors, supporting the Research Institute’s activities on the island. The design approach should be comprehensive, integrating environmental design, planning, and strategic actions. This includes considerations for water resource management, green energy, agri-food initiatives, biodiversity policies, and ecosystem services, all aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

participants are invited to focus on the visionary nature of the Competition

Additionally, the design should address the water cycle by incorporating historical data and climate change projections. It should include water management solutions like rain harvesting, small dams, and groundwater management, along with flood protection and drought management planning as agriculture potential should also be evaluated concerning water management schemes. Important to note, the design should align with the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, and environmental preservation surveillance initiatives and ongoing projects related to the island should be included.

the Competition aims to stimulate the State’s interest, generating discussion about innovative architectural design, biodiversity, and the best utilization and development of Greek islands

Open to registered architects who are members of an official architecture association within their countries, the competition also welcomes interdisciplinary teams from related fields, such as urban planning, landscape architecture, and environmental design. This inclusivity aims to inspire a wide range of ideas for the sustainable development of Gyaros.

An international jury will evaluate submissions based on compliance with competition criteria and visionary potential. The results will be published on the competition website, with an exhibition of all entries planned. Three grand prizes (€40,000, €20,000, €10,000) and six honorable mentions will be awarded. Entries must honor historical memory and environmental sustainability, fostering innovative architectural design, biodiversity, and the thoughtful development of Greek islands.

furthermore, the objective is to attract international interest, bringing new ideas regarding areas with the characteristics of Gyaros