Be the Architect of Tomorrow's Green Office.

AIS Design Olympiad this year challenges architecture students to push the boundaries of sustainable design by imagining green workspaces powered by sustainable facades. Create a building where energy performance, adaptability, and human centric designs inspire the workplaces of the future.

Introduction

Green offices have long been a cornerstone of sustainable architecture. But today, as we stand at the intersection of climate urgency and evolving workplace culture, the definition of a “green office” demands a deeper, more holistic interpretation. This competition challenges you to reimagine the office as a high-performance habitat—a space that does more than reduce environmental impact. It should heal, inspire, and empower, becoming a beacon of sustainability, innovation, and human-centric design.

In a world where people spend nearly 30–40% of their lives at work, the modern workspace must go beyond being an efficient shell. It should offer net-zero performance, thermal and visual comfort, adaptability to work patterns, and above all, foster clarity, collaboration, and creativity.

"In the pursuit of sustainable architecture, the modern workplace must transcend traditional design principles to embody efficiency, adaptability, and environmental responsibility. As leaders in glass innovation, we recognize that façades serve not merely as structural components but as dynamic interfaces that harmonize aesthetics, performance, and energy efficiency.

ADO 7.0 presents an opportunity for budding architects to redefine the workplace—creating net-zero environments that foster collaboration, enhance occupant well-being, and exemplify the future of high-performance design. We encourage students of architecture to embrace creativity, push boundaries, and contribute to the evolution of workspaces that inspire, perform, and endure."

Mr. Vikram Khanna
COO Consumer Glass & Architectural Institutional Business CMO Asahi India Glass Limited

Our Curators

Ar. Vivek Bhole

Principal of Neo Modern Architects, Curator and National Jury Member, AIS Design Olympiad

"Architecture has the profound ability to shape the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. In the face of climate urgency and evolving work culture, the responsibility of architects extends beyond form and function—it is about creating regenerative spaces that inspire and perform.

ADO 7.0 inspires the students to challenge conventional boundaries, rethink façades as more than enclosures, and design workplaces that foster collaboration, creativity, and sustainability. The future of architecture lies in spaces that heal, empower, and lead by example."

Ar. Karl Wadia

Senior Design Principal - Architect Hafeez Contractor, Curator & National Juror - AIS Design Olympiad

"A truly net-zero green workspace is not only an efficient shell, but a living, breathing ecosystem that fosters innovation, well-being, and sustainability. As architects, we can redefine the role of façades, transforming them into active participants in energy efficiency, daylight optimization, and user comfort.

With ADO 7.0, architects of the future embrace possibility and envision workspaces that inspire and perform. Let creativity lead the way for designs to set new benchmarks in the future of sustainable architecture."

Designing a Net-Zero Green Workspaces Where the Façade Inspires and Performs

"The façade is the soul of the building" - Jean Nouvel

Design Objectives

Participants are invited to design a multi-office building that redefines the future of work through a strong emphasis on design innovation, net-zero energy performance, and human-centric sustainability. The objective is to create a workplace that not only accommodates diverse office functions but also enhances occupant productivity, promotes environmental responsibility, and adapts to evolving work patterns. The design should integrate passive and active strategies for energy efficiency, innovative use of materials, and flexible spatial planning — all rooted in a cohesive architectural identity driven by a responsive and intelligent façade system.

  • Façade Innovation (Primary Focus)
    • Develop a façade that adapts to climate and daylight.
    • Minimises heat gain and glare.
    • Integrates intelligent materials (e.g., smart glass, kinetic shading, double-skin systems).
    • Explore BIPV, biophilic skins, or modular façade elements that promote both performance and aesthetics.
  • Thermal Visual Comfort
    • Achieve thermal comfort with natural ventilation, shading, and material insulation.
    • Optimize visual comfort with glare control, daylight integration, and outdoor visual connection.
    • Support circadian lighting strategies using daylight-responsive systems.
  • Motivational Adaptive Workspaces
    • Design for focus, flexibility, collaboration, and social interaction.
    • Encourage movement and choice, providing a diversity of work settings.
    • Integrate biophilic design, acoustic comfort, and air quality for well-being.
  • Innovative Materials and Technologies
    • Use Green & Sustainable building materials.
    • Highlight any use of emerging technologies.
    • Evaluate impact on energy consumption, cost savings, and occupant well-being.
  • Sustainability and Net-Zero Energy
    • Incorporate passive design and low-energy systems.
    • Integrate renewable energy systems like solar PV or BIPV.
    • Reduce embodied and operational carbon.
    • Use water-efficient fixtures, waste management, and recycling strategies.
    • Provide a clear sustainability plan outlining energy efficiency, renewable systems, and green material use.

Submission Requirements

Presentation

  • A maximum 30-slide presentation (16:9 ratio) per team, to be presented in 20 minutes.
  • Presentation must include:
    • Design concept
    • Architectural drawings (site plan, floor plans, sections, elevations)
    • 3D views and renderings
    • Details of façade and innovative systems
    • Sustainability features at site and building levels
    • Green materials list with rationale (1–2 slides)
    • Construction innovation details, if applicable (1–2 slides)

Sustainability Documentation

  • Detailed Sustainability Plan With:
    • Energy efficiency measures
    • Renewable energy systems
    • Green building materials and technologies used
    • GRIHA, LEED & IGBC can be considered for green rating criteria
  • Quantitative Submissions
    • Energy Rating System Index (ERSI)
    • Energy Conservation Code (ECBC) compliance
    • Energy Performance Index (EPI)
  • Decarbonization strategy:
    • Design-based and operational measures
    • Lifecycle Impact Summaries (optional but encouraged)

Project Summary

  • A concise project description (maximum 2 A4 pages), covering:
    • Vision
    • Key Design Highlights
    • Site choice and its relevance
    • Summary of sustainable and innovative strategies

Site Design Program Guidelines

  • Participants can choose a site in an urban Tier 1 or Tier 2 city within the following parameters:
  • Site Area: 5 acres or above
  • FAR: 2.5 (show green building compliance for additional FAR as per state rules)
  • Ground Coverage: 40%
  • Green Cover: Minimum 60% of total site area (including on ground and on buildings green spaces)
  • Plan for public benefit land contributions with at least 35% public open retention.
  • Regulations: Follow local development by-laws or NBC 2016 or latest version
  • Materials: Use of green innovative materials is mandatory (either partially or wholly)
  • On materials (1–2 slides in presentation):
    • Justify material selection - why chosen over conventional options?
    • Explain the impact:
      • Energy and carbon savings
      • Cost-effectiveness
      • Labor safety and health
      • Long-term performance and recyclability

Conclusion

This is a competition about vision and responsibility. As future designers of the built environment, how will you define the facades of tomorrow?

Let your façades breathe innovation, let your materials whisper resilience, and let your spaces resonate with the rhythms of human well-being and planetary health.

Design Boldly. Design Consciously. Design to Inspire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ADO?

AIS Design Olympiad (ADO) is a comprehensive architecture and design competition for students. Organised by AIS, this olympiad presents not only a chance for students to work on a project but also receive mentorship from the top professionals in the field. This will help them gain first-hand experience really early in their careers.

The architecture competition invites architectural students from 3rd to 5th year to explore and experiment with new materials, construction techniques and technologies that encourage them to outgrow their comfort zone. ADO architects get the opportunity to express themselves creatively.

AIS started ADO India to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world problems for promising architects. The year 2024 marks the 6th edition of the ADO architects’ Olympiad. With this year’s architecture and design competition, AIS is trying to contribute towards a greener world.

To achieve this, AIS wants young minds to find a blend between innovative architectural designs while maintaining a sustainable approach.

ADO India’s challenge for students this year is to create a unique “Energy Museum.” This is a part of their ambitious plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. This pioneering institution is meant to showcase the evolution of energy technologies while being a hub for research and education in sustainable energy.

Who can participate in ADO?

The AIS ADO competition for architecture students is open to all students across the country. It provides students with a stage to present their innovations that would help solve real-world issues.

If you are a 3rd to 5th-year student in architecture, design or any other related field you can participate in this architectural competition India. To set the premise for fair competition, the eligibility parameters that participating teams have to qualify for at the time of AIS registration are provided below. Failing to do so, your design olympiad candidature will be rejected.

  • Education Qualifications: Students need to be a part of recognised colleges or institutions offering courses in architecture, civil engineering and design across India.
  • Course Status: Participants must be pursuing full-fledged graduation and post-graduation degrees in the fields mentioned earlier. The students need to participate in teams. Each team needs to have at least one architecture student. A mentor from their faculty needs to be present to guide the students in each step as they try to carry out their designs.
  • Age Limit: The competition is open to students aged 21 and above who are enrolled in a relevant course.
  • Participation: Students must participate in teams. Each team must have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 members. At least one team member must be actively pursuing an architectural graduation or post-graduation degree.

India has various types of architectural competitions. However, AIS ADO stands out for the exciting opportunity it offers students to work with eminent professionals in architecture and design.

Is there a registration fee for the architecture contest?

No, there is no AIS registration India fee to participate in the AIS ADO Olympiad. The concert is entirely free of cost for all eligible students. AIS, through its architecture contest, offers all capable students an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent.

By eliminating any registration cost, the competition encourages participation from students from far and across the Indian subcontinent. This allows students from all strata of society to participate, the only qualifying factor being their talent and creativity.

The registration process for this upcoming architectural competition is very simple. All you need to do is:

  • Fill in the registration form for your team online from the official website of AIS India.
  • Follow the given instructions and submit your project before the given deadline, i.e., sometime in mid-February.
  • The participants do not have to pay for anything throughout the event.
  • The winners will receive ₹25,000 and a certificate, and the first and second runners-up will receive ₹10,000 and ₹5,000, respectively, along with a certificate.

Keeping their registration free of cost, AIS has exemplified its sincerity in prioritising talent. This same nature of theirs is reflected in their selection of themes.

With the theme ‘Energy Museum’, they are not only looking to inspire thousands of youth to come forward and take part in building a sustainable future. An Energy Museum will serve as a hub for creators to research and study in detail about sustainable energy practices. This is a part of AIS’s goal of achieving net zero emissions for the year 2030.

With no registration fees, students can focus solely on creating something that perfectly justifies their talent and creativity while providing an innovative solution for a greener future. This makes ADO not just an architect contest but an empowering opportunity for the upcoming generation of architects and designers to shine on a national level.

Can I participate as part of a team?

Yes, you can participate as a team in the AIS ADO. They allow teams of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 members. This allows students to collaborate and combine their creative strengths. The architecture competition creates a challenge to bring out the best in individuals. By allowing team participation, ADO promotes collaborative learning, which is an essential trait to possess in the architecture and design industry:

  1. Team Size: Participants can form teams of 2-4 members. One team member must be pursuing a BArch or an MArch degree from a reputed college or university.
  2. Interdisciplinary Teams: The architecture design competition allows participation from different disciplines, such as architecture, civil engineering, and design. This creates an environment where people can share their ideas and perspectives about the same project, allowing it to perform well on the criteria of various disciplines.
  3. Same/Different Institutions: Team members can belong to the same institution or collaborate with peers from different colleges, universities or states.
  4. Equal Opportunities: All entries are judged based on their creativity, innovation, and adherence to the contest criteria.

Participating as a team at AIS ADO teaches you how to solve real-world problems. It also gives people a closer view of how problems are tackled in real-time and how everyone contributes to finding a solution. Teamwork is very important for maintaining efficiency and unity in any field of work. ADO provides a valuable platform where people can learn the importance of teamwork by acknowledging each other's knowledge and contributions while showcasing their talent on a national platform.

What categories or themes are available for submission?

AIS has adopted a mission to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. Through its architecture design competition, it wants to raise awareness among the younger generation about a sustainable future. The primary objective of the competition is to brainstorm designs for the Energy Museum of India, which will showcase green building features while serving as a centre for research and studies related to a sustainable environment.

The winning design will serve as a prototype for sustainable architecture and contribute to India's cultural and educational landscape.

The task at hand for the students is to:

  • Design a museum that will showcase the history, present and future of energy in India, providing visitors with an immersive experience.
  • The design should prioritise energy efficiency and sustainability. Hence, it should use green building materials, renewable energy sources and innovative technologies.
  • The museum should be made using universal design principles, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.
  • The architectural design should contain the rich essence of India's cultural heritage. The final design submitted by the participants at the architectural design competition should sustainably balance local architecture and modern-day innovations.

By providing such a relevant theme, the AIS ADO competition in architecture inspires participants to devise innovative solutions to real-life problems. Students can choose how they want to design the Energy Museum based on their passion, expertise and understanding of the problem at hand.

This year’s ADO architectural design competition allows the students to work on a motion that is a burning concern today.

How many entries can I submit?

One of the most popular architecture design competitions in India is ADO. You can submit one entry per theme at ADO -. The sixth edition of ADO has chosen the Energy Museum for its theme for the year 2024. Contestants can participate in teams only.

Each team needs to have at least 2 members and a maximum of 4 members. One of the members has to be actively related to the field of architecture. The Olympiad is open to all 3rd to 5th-year students pursuing a degree in architecture, civil engineering and design.

Participants have to build a prototype for the Energy Museum, which will be a part of AIS’s net zero emissions by 2030. Through this year’s theme, AIS is not only trying to promote innovative architectural designs but also following a sustainable approach towards crafting their design.

This architecture design competition in India will be held in three rounds. The first round will be an online submission where the panel will choose the Top 10 submissions from each zone. The second round is the regional round, in which a veteran architect will judge them. The top two entries from the regional round will be moved on to the third round, i.e., the site visit round. In the third round, each team gets to visit a glass manufacturing plant and, later on, interact with prominent names from the architecture industry and present their designs.

The winners of this architecture competition in India will receive a certificate and a cash prize of ₹25,000. The first and second runners-up will receive ₹10,000 and ₹5,000, respectively, along with a certificate of appreciation.

Can I modify my submission after uploading it?

Once you have submitted your submissions, you can not modify them at the AIS ADO architectural competition in India. One of the biggest Indian architectural competitions, ADO, does not allow people to tweak or change their submissions once they have been successful. This is done to maintain a smooth and fair process for all participants.

In any architecture competitions for students, modifications of any form are not allowed. Some architecture contests for students allow some basic changes considering that these are inexperienced students participating; however, those chances are far and in between and depend entirely on the organisers.

The ADO concept policy ensures that every participant adheres to a fixed timeline and prevents the usage of unfair means. Once a project is uploaded to the official ADO website, it is considered final. Hence, it is essential to double-check your project before submitting it. Make sure it is in accordance with the given guidelines and includes all the necessary information regarding your project.

The submission can be pushed, or you can be allowed to resubmit your project again in case of issues on the end of the organisers:

  • If an ongoing technical glitch occurs at the time of submission, you can attempt to resubmit the project after obtaining permission from the organiser board.
  • If the competition deadline has been extended, participants can get the opportunity to revise and resubmit their projects.

AIS ADO wrapped up its online submission process by the end of November. The regional round will be held around mid-January, and the results of the same would be announced within a month.

What are the submission requirements?

Out of the many architecture competitions in 2024, AIS ADO stands out the most owing to its wonderful panel and the opportunity it possesses for budding students. ADO is a free architecture competition for students of architecture, civil engineering and design, where the winner takes home ₹25,000.

The theme for the 6th edition of the architecture competition is ‘Energy Museum’. An Energy Museum is an institution that AIS envisions creating that would help people map the past, present, and future of energy. It would also serve as a hub for research and an in-depth study of energy.

Students have to submit sustainable prototypes that can serve as the model for this museum and add to the cultural and educational richness of the country.

Here are the submission requirements that the students need to follow:

  • Participants have to express their ideas in a maximum of 30 slides (16:9 ratio)- 20 mins.
  • The presentation should use design concepts, architectural designs, renderings and details about sustainability features (site level and building level).
  • List out all the green materials in construction and the details regarding the process of construction (mention if you have used any innovative technology to reduce energy consumption) and environmental impact in 1-2 slides.
  • Create a detailed sustainability plan outlining various efficiency measures, renewable energy systems and green building materials proposed for the project.
  • A detailed sustainability plan defining the renewable energy systems, energy efficiency measures, and green building materials for the project.
  • Show all calculations and compliance with zero energy building requirements -Energy Rating System Index, Energy conservation code, Energy use intensity, etc are also included in the submission.
  • Expand on decarbonisation and calculation of other zero energy design strategies within the design and the process that surrounds it.
  • Brief description of the project (2 nos. of A4 pages).

When will the winners be announced?

The ADO (Architecture Design Awards) winners will be announced in mid-February. ADO designs has provided a calendar showing how the architectural competition for students is going to progress.

As per the calendar, the ADO design competition in India, the competition will be held in three stages. The first stage is online submissions to be completed by the end of November. The second stage, i.e., the regional stage, will start from the middle of January and the final stage, i.e., the site visit will take place in mid-February.

The theme for this year’s architectural competitions for students is the Energy Museum. Students have to participate in groups of two or four, two being the minimum. The AIS designs competition is open to all students of architecture, design, and civil engineering from the 3rd to 5th year.

This year’s competition is conducted with the intention of making the students aware of raging environmental issues. This will help the future ADO champions to work towards their goal while promoting a greener future.

The winners of the ADO design competition will be handed over a cash prize of ₹25000 and a certificate of appreciation. The first and the second runners-up will be provided cash prizes of ₹10,000 and ₹5,000, respectively. The ADO design competition has allowed only teams to participate this year. Each team needs to have at least one member actively pursuing a degree in architecture.

The team will be accompanied by a mentor who will guide them at every step of their process. By allowing only teams, the ADO design competition gives the students a real-life experience of how work is done at prominent architectural firms.

What should I do if I face issues during registration or submission?

If you have any queries related to your AIS registration, you can send an email to ado@aisglass.com.

The theme for this year’s ADO architecture is the Energy Museum. The Energy Museum is an institution that showcases the evolution of energy while serving as a hub for research and study about sustainable energy practices.

Students can register in groups of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4. The AIS registration in India is open for all students studying in 3rd to 5th year of an undergrad or postgrad degree. Students from different fields and institutions can participate in the same team. The applications are open to students of architecture, civil engineering and design.

The AIS ADO architecture competition is in its 6th year with the 2024 Olympiad. It allows students to showcase their talent and creativity while working with equal minds from their field and under the mentorship of some of the brightest names in the architecture industry. This helps them in getting a jumpstart in their career.

Plus, with a theme related to sustainability this year, AIS is providing the students with real-life solutions to one of the most challenging issues of our time - climate change. Working in a team also helps the students to understand their roles better and learn how progress is made when working in real-time.

The best design will serve as a prototype for the Energy Museum and will contribute to boosting the cultural and educational landscape of India. In order to make this change, AIS has kept the registration free of cost for all students so that money does not become a hindrance to talent.

Can I view past winning entries?

You can check the past winning entries on our website or social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X.

The 6th edition of the AIS ADO architecture competition is different. With this year’s competition, AIS is trying to encourage its students to take a sustainable approach to representing their creativity. The theme for this year’s competition is ‘Energy Museum’.

The museum will showcase the evolution of energy from the past to the future. It will also serve as a centre for research and learning in the field of energy. The design competition for architecture will be held in three rounds - the 1st round or the online submission round, in which 10 entries will move forward to the next round.

The second round, or the regional round, will give us the top two contenders for the AIS ADO 2024 competition. The third and final round is the industrial site visit round, where the panel will visit both architectural projects and decide who is deserving winner of the architecture design awards.

The winning design will serve as the model for the Energy Museum and will contribute to the cultural and educational progress of India.

AIS provides budding architectural creators with a stage to showcase their talent and creativity. It also gives them an opportunity to share the stage with some of the most reputable contributors in the field. The experience garnered from the competition can help people get a jump start in their careers.

Is there a platform for participants to discuss and share ideas?

Yes, AIS holds masterclasses at their centres to encourage young students to submit their ideas and confidently represent them on the national stage. Apart from that, you can also refer to their social media handles on Instagram, Facebook, and X to find communities where people can discuss ideas and gather information about the event.

AIS organises an architecture ideas competition every year for young students who possess a knack for creating something brilliant. The architecture contest has been encouraging young minds for the last couple of years.

With their 6th edition of the AIS ADO architecture contest, they are trying to promote projects that are not just excellent in terms of innovations but also have a sustainable approach. Climate change is a raging issue today. Hence, this year’s theme is to build a model for the Energy Museum. This museum will not just record the pathway of energy from past to future but will also serve as a centre for learning and research about energy.

The AIS architecture contest is allowing only team entries for the year 2024-25. Each team needs to have a minimum of 2 members and a maximum of 4 members. Students studying degree courses in civil engineering, architecture and design in the 3rd to 5th year are welcome to participate. They will be accompanied by a mentor from their institution who will be guiding them at every step.

Students can be from the same institution or different ones. This creates an environment for a better flow of ideas and perspectives.