Barbados Announces International Architecture Competition for Temporary Pavilion at CARIFESTA XV
Bridgetown, Barbados
This open design initiative is calling on emerging visionaries to reimagine space, culture, and climate resilience in a post-colonial Caribbean context.
The competition invites architects at the beginning of their careers, including architecture students, from anywhere in the world to conceive a temporary pavilion for Carifesta XV, the Caribbean Festival of Arts. The site for the pavilion is National Heroes’ Square, Bridgetown Barbados (65 ft / 19.65m in diameter).
The pavilion should be constructed from locally sourced or recycled materials and will act as a vibrant public gathering space for residents and tourists, reflecting the island’s rich cultural identity and responding creatively to its environmental future.
The winning designer or team will be mentored through the construction documentation period by Adjaye Associates. The pavilion is set to be built over a six-week period, culminating in its unveiling at CARIFESTA XV, taking place from 22–31 August 2025.
Competition site diagram and site photos
Competition Details
Eligibility & Participation
- Open to individuals and multidisciplinary teams from any field, including architecture, art, urban design, landscape architecture, environmental science, engineering, and social design
- The competition is open to emerging practitioners or studios that have been in operation for no more than five years. It aims to support ambitious early-career architects eager to make their mark
- Teams may include up to four (4) members and must designate a lead contact
- All entries must be original and submitted in English
- Submission deadline 1 June 2025 23.59 GMT
- Winning entry announced 13 June 2025
Jury
Sir David Adjaye OM, OBE, Founder and Principal, Adjaye Associates
Senator Hon. Jonathan Reid, Minister of the Ministry of Industry Innovation Science and Technology
Ms. Carol Roberts, CEO, National Cultural Foundation
Ms. Chereda Grannum, Director of the Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny Program R.O.A.D Program
Mr. Mark Hill, CEO, Export Barbados
An independent representative appointed by the National Cultural Foundation
Awards & Recognition
1st Prize – $50,000 USD
Includes:
- Construction of the winning pavilion in Barbados.
- Mentorship by Adjaye Associates throughout design development and execution.
- Round trip to Barbados (to be financed from the prize funds)
- Feature in the Digital Exhibition and Spotlight Series.
- Invitation to serve on the jury for the next edition of the competition.
Special Mentions – Up to 3 Teams/Individuals
Includes:
- Round trip to Barbados to attend Carifesta XV.
- Feature in the Digital Exhibition and Spotlight Series.
Submission Requirements
Participants must submit:
- Two (2) boards in either A1 format (UK) or Arch D (24” x 36”) (US)
Panel Requirements:
- Each board must display the proposal identification code (generated during registration) in the top right corner.
- Proposals without a visible ID code will be disqualified.
Drawing & Content Requirements:
- Representative plans and elevations
- One characteristic section
- Perspective renderings or digital images
- Brief explanation of the concept, all text must be in English
- A full set of site photos can be requested by emailing press@adjaye.com
Competition Budget:
A dedicated project budget which is independent of the prize money will be provided to fully fund the construction of the winning pavilion. As part of the submission, applicants are required to present a detailed construction budget outlining estimated costs for materials, labor, construction fees, technical supervision, contingencies, and necessary documentation and planning approvals. The total budget is subject to final confirmation.
Timeline & Contact
Questions regarding the competition must be submitted by April 30, 2025, to:
June 1, 2025 – Final submission, in English, to be made by 23:59 GMT via the submission link https://bit.ly/42LcPVw
June 13, 2025 – Winning entry announced
June 13 – July 7, 2025 – Mentored construction documentation period
July 7 – August 18, 2025 – Construction period
August 22,, 2025 – Carifesta XV opens
August 31, 2025 – Carifesta XV closes
Ready to apply? Click below to complete the application form:
For a full set of site photos please email press@adjaye.com