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Transparence isn’t just a competition — it’s where India’s most promising design students come together to shape bold ideas into powerful statements. Over the last two decades, this initiative by Saint-Gobain has evolved into one of the country’s most prestigious design platforms, offering students an opportunity to be mentored by industry leaders, gain national recognition, and make their mark on the future of design.
As we celebrate the 20th edition, Transparence continues to push boundaries — encouraging innovation, sustainability, and design with purpose. It’s not just about winning; it’s about contributing to a legacy of meaningful architecture and interiors that redefine our spaces and society.
2 June 2025
31 October 2025
4 November 2025
Early December 2025
The Architecture Student Contest (ASC) is a prestigious international competition driven by
Saint-Gobain’s commitment to building a more sustainable future. Originally launched in 2004 by
Saint-Gobain in Serbia, the contest quickly gained global recognition and has, since 2005,
brought together over 1,300 architecture students from more than 30 countries every year.
The ASC offers architecture students a powerful platform to test their creativity, sharpen
their professional skills, and design for real-world impact. At its heart, the competition
challenges participants to go beyond aesthetics — to create buildings that are
energy-efficient, resource-conscious, and deeply attuned to the health, wellbeing, and comfort
of their occupants. It’s an opportunity to explore how sustainable architecture can address
today’s urgent environmental challenges while imagining better spaces for tomorrow.
As India approaches its 100th year of independence in 2047, we stand at a pivotal moment to reflect on where we’ve come from—and where we’re headed. Architecture, as both a cultural expression and a functional necessity, plays a powerful role in shaping this journey. It is no longer just about iconic skylines or impressive structures; today, architecture must address urgent global challenges—climate change, social equity, cultural identity, and sustainable growth.
This year’s brief invites participants to imagine a landmark that represents more than just form or function—it must become a symbol of the country’s evolving aspirations. The challenge lies in crafting a vision that is inclusive, rooted in local context, yet speaks a global design language. A space that embodies resilience, innovation, and sustainability while offering real, everyday impact to the communities it touches. This is your opportunity to contribute to a legacy—one that defines India’s next chapter through bold ideas and future-forward architecture.
If architecture defines the framework of a nation's progress, interior design gives it depth, warmth, and meaning. As India moves toward its 100th year of independence, the way we design our interior environments must reflect a deeper consciousness—one that not only supports functional needs but also enhances everyday living through empathy, adaptability, and thoughtful materiality.
Interior design has the power to influence how people feel, behave, and connect—with themselves, with each other, and with the spaces they inhabit. This year’s brief challenges participants to craft interior environments that are not only visually compelling but also deeply rooted in context, culture, and community. Participants are encouraged to explore designs that reflect India’s local materials and craftsmanship, respond to climate and lifestyle changes, and embody a vision for a more resilient, mindful future.