Since 1998, Arquine has organized an architecture competition that offers a platform for comparing ideas and proposals on equal terms. As in previous editions, the Arquine Competition No.28 invites participants to design, build, and activate a pavilion in Mexico City’s Historic Center as part of the MEXTRÓPOLI Architecture and City Festival.
Participants must design a structure that meets the requirements outlined in these guidelines regarding time, cost, and characteristics, while also demonstrating the ability to provoke and engage the public—an essential criterion for evaluation.
Objectives
• To invite participants worldwide to propose ideas for the design and construction of a public pavilion that is recyclable or reusable, in compliance with the requirements of these guidelines.
• To create a reference space within the MEXTRÓPOLI Architecture and City Festival, a venue for reflection and dialogue about architecture and the urban environment.
Site
The MEXTRÓPOLI Pavilion 2026 will be installed in one of two emblematic public spaces within Mexico City’s Historic Center: the Alameda Central or the Plaza Manuel Tolsá, depending on the festival’s logistical and curatorial decisions.
Submission Requirements
Participants must submit a single digital image containing all the necessary information for understanding the proposal. The image must include:
- Site plan, floor plans, and sections at appropriate scales.
- Diagrams, sketches, collages, or any freehand or digital representation that conveys the project concept.
- Construction details at appropriate scales.
- A descriptive text of up to 250 words in either Spanish or English.
The file must be horizontal (90 cm x 60 cm), 72 DPI, JPG format, and not exceed 5 MB. The filename must match the registration code assigned during sign-up: [ARQ-28C-XXXX].
Only submissions uploaded through the competition system within the specified deadlines will be accepted.
Awards
First Prize: $ 100,000.00 MXN
- Construction of the MEXTRÓPOLI Pavilion 2026*
- Free access to MEXTRÓPOLI for up to two team members
- A set of up to ten Arquine books
Second Prize: $ 50,000.00 MXN
- Free access to MEXTRÓPOLI for up to two team members
- A set of up to ten Arquine books
Third Prize: $ 25,000.00 MXN
- Free access to MEXTRÓPOLI for up to two team members
- A set of up to ten Arquine books
Honorable Mention
- The jury may grant as many mentions as it deems appropriate
Competition Calendar
2025 November 17 - Opening of registration
2026 February 23 - End of inquiry period
2026 March 2 - Publication of FAQs
2026 April 17 - End of registration period
2026 April 20 - Submission deadline
2026 April 23 - Jury deliberation
2026 April 27 - Announcement of results
2026 May - Beginning of executive development
2026 September - Pavilion installation and opening
