The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) is launching its Concrete Masonry Design Competition for the 2026-2027 academic year in partnership with the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA).
The brief asks students, working individually or in teams, to tackle a performing arts center concept that puts concrete masonry at the center of the building’s identity and performance. Designs must use concrete masonry units (CMU), including standard and architectural CMU, as the primary structural and finish material, with an emphasis on innovation in concrete masonry.
Beyond the venue itself, the program pushes for a broader civic role. Entries are expected to combine multifunctional spaces with a strong public connection, and to integrate the building into the surrounding community as a cultural catalyst.
For mason contractors and CMU crews, competitions like this are a window into how future designers think about exposed block, architectural CMU, and masonry-forward buildings. It also reinforces a practical point that shows up on real projects: when CMU is both structure and finish, design decisions have direct consequences for layout, detailing, and constructability.
ACSA said jurors will select first, second, and third place winners, plus honorable mentions, at the jury’s discretion. A total of $20,000 will be awarded: first prize includes $8,000 for a student and $3,000 for faculty, second prize includes $4,000 for a student and $2,000 for faculty, and third prize includes $2,000 for a student and $1,000 for faculty.
Eligibility is limited to students from ACSA full, candidate, and affiliate member schools in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Read the full, original article from Bustler here.