Cooling Pavilion for Hot Cities (Phoenix, USA) – Archi Briefer

1. Introduction
The “Cooling Pavilion for Hot Cities” competition aims to develop innovative solutions to mitigate the effect of extreme heat in cities, focusing on pavilions that provide shade, cooling, and comfort in warm environments.
2. Presentation
The competition is open to architects and designers who wish to create a pavilion that acts as a microclimate refuge in dense and hot environments, such as the city of Phoenix, USA. The challenge centers on designing a pavilion that not only provides relief from extreme temperatures but also fosters social interaction, inclusion, and environmental awareness.
3. About the Project
The main objective is to create a pavilion that significantly reduces the sensation of heat and improves outdoor usability in extreme climates. Projects must demonstrate a clear understanding of passive cooling techniques, such as shading, ventilation, evaporative cooling, and material selection. The pavilion must be functional, accessible, and adaptable, offering a welcoming space for rest and gathering.
4. Schedule
- March 15, 2026: Competition launch
- April 15, 2026: Early Bird registration ($29 USD)
- May 20, 2026: Standard registration ($49 USD)
- May 30, 2026: Late registration ($69 USD)
- June 5, 2026: Final submission
- June 20, 2026: Results announcement
5. Prizes
- 1st place: Construction proposal + media feature + certificate (forever shareable link)
- 4th place: Media feature + certificate (forever shareable link)
- Participation certificates for all participants
6. Jury
The jury will evaluate submissions based on a combination of environmental performance, design innovation, and user experience. Evaluation criteria include the effectiveness of cooling strategies, the creativity and originality of the architectural concept, the integration of sustainability principles and material efficiency, and the feasibility and constructibility of the design.
