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Open Call: Architectural Essay Writing, 6th Cycle: ‘Architecture & Politics’

Updated: Feb 4


Architectural Essay Writing Contest, 6th Cycle is the twenty-sixth initiative of the Architectural Journalism & Criticism Organization founded by architect Pappal Suneja to spread awareness about this subject and sow the seeds of inspiration to explore and write about Architecture and allied fields from a researcher’s perspective. Theme for the Series in this cycle is ‘Architecture & Politics’ Brief “Architecture is definitely a political act.”— Peter Eisenman


Architecture does not exist in isolation. It is produced within systems of power, governance, and social negotiation. This essay writing call prompts you to look at how, when, and why architecture becomes political. How does the built environment influence social control, inclusion, and exclusion—especially in public spaces? When a building or space is designed, whose needs are truly addressed. Which age groups and social communities are considered, and who is left out of the process. While architectural proposals often present ideals of openness and accessibility—the lived reality of cities can reveal a very different narrative. Consider the city from the perspective of those who inhabit and consume it daily. The pedestrian, the commuter, the informal worker, the child, and the elderly—each experience space differently. How does design shape behavior, movement, and interaction. Is there a hierarchy embedded within cities that determines who can occupy space and who can belong to it? Architecture and politics are closely intertwined, often influencing our everyday routines in subtle and unacknowledged ways. This competition encourages an experiential approach. Reflect on your personal encounters with urban spaces and examine how architectural elements communicate political intent. As designers, our understanding of the city emerges from layers of memory, overlap, and personal engagement(s). Yet these interpretations are frequently projected onto a shared public realm that accommodates multiple and sometimes conflicting experiences. Public spaces such as streets, markets, plazas, places of worship, and sites of celebration become visible through collective use and quantum of footfall. Regulation, symbolism, and control give these spaces political meaning. Do designed environments speak a language of identity and power. Is this language consciously read, or is it overlooked with routine. Through pure observation, explore how architecture operates as a political act and how it shapes the ‘everyday’ life of the city.

We welcome entries from Collegians, Professionals, Academicians; Researchers & Design Enthusiasts (Open to All) Submission Guidelines: - Submissions are open to all writers in English. International submissions are welcome.

- Maximum two entries/essays per registrant are allowed.

- The Essay/entry may be accompanied by an Illustration/Photograph (with proper credits and permissions if required).

- Each essay should not exceed 800 words.

- The entry along with the registration screenshot, should be sent to ajc.competition@gmail.com with the subject line Essay Writing Contest, 6th Cycle - Category (collegians, and Open) in a word document with 12 pt., Arial font, single-line spacing.

- All entrants must mention any of their social media handles with the submission (Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, etc.)

- The submission should be an original work of the entrant and will go through a plagiarism and AI bot test.

- We will announce the winners in the first week of April 2026. Jury Panel for the Competition comprises 


Competition Curator: Twinkle Kataria, Architect & Artist, Mumbai, India

 

Timeline: 


Submissions window for the Series: 26th January 2026 – 28th February 2026 (11:59 pm IST/7:29 pm CET)


- Early Bird Registration till 14th February 2026, (1200 INR for participants from India and 25 Euros for International Participants)


Indian Participants can follow the link to register and International Participants can enter here.


- Standard Registration till  27th February 2026, (1800 INR for participants from India and 30 Euros for International Participants) For Queries, contact: plusajc@gmail.com 


Winning Prizes for the Competition are 


Citation Award

An AJC curated set of books worth 18000 INR/200 USD.


Special Mention 

An AJC curated set of books worth 9000 INR/100 USD. 


Besides this, we shall send attested E-Certificates of Participation to all the entrants, and the winning entries shall be featured on several web architectural portals. Also, the best entries shall be complied as an Anthology with ISBN No. after the successful run of all the cycles (6th to 12th) under this Series.


Note: AJC+ supports academic endeavors and research scholarships. We are also in the process of expanding our reach; thus, interested organizations may contact us in this regard. For further updates regarding the outreach activities and events, Visit the Instagram and Facebook handle of the Organisation.


Competition Poster © Saurav Bavalekar, AJC+ Associate, UI/UX Design Via > ajc-plus.com



 
 
 
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