Vancouver Tall Challenge

Deadline: 2026-11-30

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). As part of the City of Vancouver’s Higher Buildings Policy Review, the competition invites the international design community to propose ideas for the future of tall buildings downtown and to reconsider the relationship between height, urban growth, public value, city identity, and Vancouver’s character as a city in nature.

The competition is open worldwide and no professional qualification is required. Entrants may participate individually or in teams of up to four, and all communication and submitted material must be in English. Proposals should explore how tall buildings can combine architectural quality, sustainable strategies, public amenities, and exceptional public spaces to support a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient urban life in Vancouver.

The total prize fund is CAD $15,000: CAD $7,000 for first prize, CAD $4,000 for second prize, CAD $2,000 for third prize, and CAD $1,000 each for the Student Award and Sustainability Award. Registration closes on October 29, 2026, the competition Q&A deadline is November 3, and entries must be submitted by 23:59 London time on November 30, 2026. The winners are scheduled to be announced on January 26, 2027.