ArXellence 3 is an Open, One-Stage International Transdisciplinary Architectural ideas competition

ArXellence 3 is an Open, One-Stage International Transdisciplinary Architectural ideas competition that seeks a holistic approach from the participants to preserve historical memory and promote sustainable development on the Cycladic island of Gyaros.

Competition Area: Gyaros Island

In the northern part of the Cyclades, there is an unpopulated island with a long and turbulent history. Gyaros is a desolate land shrouded in the remnants of its past. Today, the island has great ecological importance as it hosts the largest population of monk seals in the Mediterranean.

The Objectives

The primary objective of the Competition is to select concept design ideas for a Lighthouse, a living laboratory for developing biodiversity strategies and innovative approaches in the eastern Mediterranean.  

More specifically, the key components that are essential for a holistic, transdisciplinary approach are: 

1. The Museum: an interactive space of memories.  
2. The Laboratory: intended for the development of strategies and innovative approaches for biodiversity preservation, environmental impacts, and sustainability.  
3. The Dormitory: designed for researchers, staff, and selected visitors. 
4. The Research Institutes: they will conduct their activities within Lab (see No2) through researchers who will remain on the island for specific (limited) periods (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, etc.) according to the needs of each research activity and/or initiative. 

5. A holistic approach to environmental issues through design, planning, and strategic actions that will take into consideration a variety of factors (e.g., water resources management, green energy issues, agri-food actions, biodiversity policies and strategies, ecosystem services, etc.), through an interlinked nexus approach, following the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

   The following points (No6 to No12) constitute more detailed specifications of the main components, which should be taken into consideration for the holistic approach, as described under No5: 

6. The Water Cycle: historical data and climate change projections should be considered for the design and planning of water supply for domestic use and water management, e.g., through rain harvesting and/or small dams, groundwater management, or other types of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Flood protection and drought management planning ideas are of major interest for this component. 
7. Agriculture: the potential of agriculture for specific, suitable crops should be considered in relation to the water management schemes in No 6. 
8. The coastal blue ecosystem preservation (Maritime Spatial Planning): it should be part of the holistic approach under No5, including also (if needed) NBS.  
9. Wastewater treatment schemes should also consider treated wastewater reuse, energy production through wastewater treatment, and potential material reuse (e.g., phosphates and nitrates) in a broader circular economy context. 
10. Energy efficiency (solar, wind, geothermal energy, etc.): it is crucial to examine the island's energy efficiency through a variety of green energy technologies (including energy production from No8) to achieve (green) energy efficiency in accordance with the European Green Deal. 
11. The biodiversity strategies, especially the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030. 
12. Environmental preservation surveillance initiatives, ongoing actions/projects, and other similar activities that are specifically related to the island. 

Important note: the scope and objectives of Arxellence 3 are diverse in terms of scientific topics, requiring a transdisciplinary approach and collaboration among different types of experts and knowledge domains. This will also be reflected in the selection of the jury members. Therefore, each participating team should take this into account when selecting their team members and developing their proposal.

• More: https://www.alumil.com/arxellence3