About Competition
Street vendors form the backbone of informal urban economies, providing affordable goods, services, and vibrant public life. Yet, their everyday workspaces are often precarious—lacking protection from weather, basic infrastructure, dignity, and security.
The Street Vendor Shelter – Shelter That Empowers Livelihood design competition invites architects, designers, planners, and students to rethink the street vendor shelter as more than a temporary structure. The challenge is to create a humane, flexible, and context-responsive shelter that supports livelihoods while enhancing public spaces and urban life.
Objective
The objective of this competition is to design an innovative street vendor shelter that:
- Provides protection from climate (sun, rain, wind)
- Supports daily vending activities efficiently
- Respects the dignity and identity of street vendors
- Integrates seamlessly within urban public spaces
- Is modular, scalable, affordable, and easy to maintain
- Encourages inclusivity, safety, and sustainability
Participants are encouraged to think beyond form and consider social impact, usability, adaptability, and economic empowerment.
The Building Program
The proposed shelter should accommodate a single street vendor unit, with the possibility of replication or clustering.
The design may include:
- Vending/display surface
- Weather protection (roof/shade/rain cover)
- Storage for goods
- Seating (optional)
- Provision for lighting and signage
- Waste management solution
- Space for mobility and flexibility
Designs may be fixed, foldable, modular, or mobile, and should be adaptable to different types of vendors (food, produce, crafts, services, etc.).
Site
This is an open-site competition.
Participants may choose any urban context such as:
- Footpaths
- Market streets
- Transit nodes
- Plazas
- Public parks
- Informal market areas
The chosen site should be clearly explained, supported by context drawings, photographs, or diagrams. The shelter should respond meaningfully to its surroundings.
Jury
The jury panel will consist of experienced architects, designers, educators, and industry professionals from diverse backgrounds. Entries will be evaluated based on:
- Design Concept & Innovation
- Functionality & Usability
- Contextual Response
- Livelihood Empowerment
- Feasibility & Sustainability
The jury’s decision will be final and binding.
Eligibility
- Open to all.
- Individual and team entries are allowed
- Team size: minimum 1 – maximum 4 members
- No restrictions on age, nationality, or academic background
Fees
| Stage | Start | End | Fees (INR) | Fees (USD) |
| Early Bird | 1st January 2026 | 15th January 2026 | ₹ 500 | $ 6 |
| Standard Registration 1 | 16th January 2026 | 31st January 2026 | ₹ 900 | $ 10 |
| Standard Registration 2 | 1st February 2026 | 15th February 2026 | ₹ 1300 | $ 15 |
| Standard Registration 3 | 16th February 2026 | 28th February 2026 | ₹ 1700 | $ 19 |
| Standard Registration 4 | 1st March 2026 | 15th March 2026 | ₹ 2100 | $ 24 |
| Standard Registration 5 | 16th March 2026 | 31st March 2026 | ₹ 2500 | $ 28 |
| Standard Registration 6 | 1st April 2026 | 15th April 2026 | ₹ 2900 | $ 32 |
| Late Registrations | 16th April 2026 | 30th April 2026 | ₹ 3300 | $ 37 |
To find more details & Register visit HERE
LAST DATE OF REGISTRATION: 30 April 2026
LAST DATE OF SUBMISSION: 10 May 2026
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