In its 9th iteration, the annual CTBUH International Student Tall Building Design Competition highlights the best student work that explores the future of sustainable vertical urbanism. 

The competition aims to invite students to submit their best project ideas as they explore a "new light on the meaning and value of tall buildings in modern society." The CTBUH asked participants to find new ways to engage with tall buildings and their relationship to urban settings in addition to exploring the cultural, physical, and environmental variables of the site. 

Out of 250 entries, five finalists were selected. View the winning projects below.

1st Place: A Critical Approach to Vertical Graveyards
By: Nikita Klimenko, Yale University & Nikita Shpakov, Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics

2nd Place: Breathable Density
By: Allen Lai, Architectural Association School of Architecture

3rd Place: Medi Hubs
By: Karan Sharma, University of Calgary

4th Place: Sky Alley 
By: He Jin & Chanjuan Wang, Dalian University of Technology

5th Place: Re-Plugged
By: Jainam Jain & Urmi Panchamia, Aditya College of Architecture

During a virtual presentation each finalist showcased their project submission during a live judging in October 2020. A cash prize of $4,500 was distributed amongst the finalists. 

To learn more about the winning projects and the competition here.