Köln,
Germany – The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) are launching the 2017 Architecture and Design Award for Students and Young Professionals for innovative ideas, designs and concepts for sports, leisure and recreational facilities.

The goal of enhancing the human experience and appreciation of sports, leisure and recreation and the need to ensure equal, dignified and functional access to sport and leisure facilities are fundamental to the IOC, IPC and IAKS. This includes access for all citizens, regardless of their physical abilities, as well as the protection of the environment through skilful design, the use of materials, and creativity.

For many cities aspiring to become healthy places with pleasant living conditions, sports, leisure and recreational facilities are becoming increasingly important. The IOC, IPC and IAKS are calling on young architects and designers to dedicate their enthusiasm and imagination in the creation of areas and spaces for active life-styles.

In recent years, the IOC has placed an increased focus on youth participation in sport through a number of activities. It is the shared aspiration of the IOC, IPC and IAKS for young architects who create sporting environments for all citizens at an early stage in their career will continue this practice in later years so that inclusive design becomes second nature to them.

In their strategy to promote youth and to safeguard and promote access to sport and leisure for all members of the community regardless of physical, sensory or intellectual limitations, the IOC, the IPC and the IAKS are proud to support this Architecture and Design Award for Students and Young Professionals.

The IAKS is responsible for the organisation and staging of the competition. The closing date for all submissions is 30th April 2017. Submission for the Students and Young Professionals Award is for free. The jury session will take place from 27th to 29th June 2017. The results of the competition will be announced to the participants by 15th July 2017. The prize-giving ceremony for the awards will be on 7th November 2017 at the 25th IAKS Congress in Cologne. 

For more information, visit www.iaks.org.