On Sunday, September 20, 2026, architecture students from the Washington Metropolitan area gathered at the National Building Museum for the annual Interschool Student Design Competition. Organized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Northern Virginia, Potomac Valley, and DC chapters, the competition brings students together to collaborate, innovate, and push the boundaries of design.
Civic Pavilion Design and Tectonics
This year’s competition focused on a civic pavilion design and tectonics. Students were challenged to add an event pavilion to the ongoing civic improvement project, the Dupont Deck Over. This project creates a public plaza gathering and event space by decking over the Connecticut Avenue underpass north of Dupont Circle public park. The pavilion design included a covered stage for public cultural events such as music, movies, and plays, and will serve as a platform for First Amendment gatherings that take place in Dupont Circle.
The students worked in teams to develop innovative solutions to this real-world challenge, with guidance from mentors within the architecture and design industry. The students were presented with constraints related to ventilation and collapsibility. The pavilion design required that the hole, which is opened to traffic below, be incorporated in the design. Additionally, the U.S. Fine Art Commission requires a clear view of the Dupont Circle fountain behind the plaza. Detachable structures or creative workarounds were not required for the academic project but were highly encouraged.
Collaboration Across Local Universities
Each team represented a collaboration between students from multiple architecture programs in the Washington, DC area, including:
- The Catholic University of America
- Howard University
- Morgan State University
- University of Maryland
- University of the District of Columbia
- Washington Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC) – Virginia Tech
By working together, students expanded their perspectives and learned to communicate across design approaches—skills that will serve them throughout their careers.
How NCARB Supports Licensure Candidates
NACRB sponsored the Interschool Student Design Competition as part of its mission to support the next generation of architects. Students who participated in the event earned Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) credit, bringing them one step closer to their licensure goals. By providing this sponsorship, NCARB aims to connect with local students, highlight the value of experiential learning, and reinforce the importance of innovative design in shaping our communities.
Looking Ahead
The winners of the 2026 Interschool Student Design Competition will be announced in late September, with prizes awarded to the top teams for their innovative approaches to this year’s challenge. Learn more about the Interschool Design Competition.
