Outer space has always captured the imaginations of the public. New advances in technology (including comet landings, the Orion Spacecraft, and large scale social experiments leading to exploration of Mars) mean that outer space is no longer a place only astronauts will get to experience – but something you and I can experience within our lifetimes

For a long time, the fantastical visions of space exploration have been rooted in the scifi proposals of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Ring worlds, death stars and space colonies conjure vibrant, psychedelic visions of the future from yesteryear. Since then, advances in space technology have multiplied exponentially. Are these retro visions still the best representations of our future in the stars?

Architecture has some catching up to do. The Outer Space competition is seeking proposals that envision space exploration in the near future (100-200 years). What kinds of structures will be developed to move, house and sustain people? How will robotics, AI, autonomous spacecraft, and satellites extend our reach?

The submission requirements are simple – each entry will combine 5 11″x17″ images (landscape or portrait) with a short narrative of 800-1400 words. The narratives can be fictional or non-fictional – they are not a simple explanation of the proposal but should be as immersive as the 5 images. The best narratives are read as a single coherent text and not 5 short sections associated with the 5 images.

Entrants are encouraged to study new technology trends and utilize these as the backbone for their submissions. Take cutting-edge tech, theories and science and use them to power an architectural vision. There are no programmatic or location requirements for the submissions, it is completely up to you to choose the location, time and scale of your project.

Entrants will receive the full competition brief which includes submission instructions after they register.