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Our new competition will take place in one of the most important, iconic, and memorable places in our country: Panama La Vieja
“Panama La Vieja” was founded by Pedro Arias Davila on the day of Our Lady of the Assumption on August 15, 1519. Its foundation replaced Santa María la Antigua del Darién, as the capital of Castilla del Oro in 1520.
This was the place where the expeditions that conquered the Inca empire of Peru departed and was one of the most important trade routes for the American continent through which most of the gold and silver extracted from the mines exploited by the Spanish passed. By 1541, the city had 4,000 inhabitants, including Indians, African slaves, and Spanish. One of the most shocking events was the invasion and looting of the pirate Henry Morgan on January 28, 1671. This event forced the Spanish themselves, guided by Governor Juan Pérez Guzmán, to ignite the explosive depots to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. This tragic fire left the city in ruins making it what we know today.
In short, the historical monument of Panama la Vieja is an archaeological site within the modern city that attracts the attention of tourists and residents to know its history thanks to its imposing ruins and the contrast with the modernity that surrounds it. In 2005, UNESCO recognized it as a world heritage site and part of Panama's historic district.
Beyond the permanent, there’s ephemeral architecture: the creation of architecture in a transitory form, which is present for a short time. In the Art Temporary Installation Competition (ATIC), the challenge is to design a temporary installation dedicated to art within the archaeological site of Panama La Vieja. The competition involves the question of how to create a temporary architecture that coexists and relates to the existing ruins while respecting their identity and historic value.
ATIC emphasizes that architecture does not have to be permanent to have a high value; this competition seeks to recall the heritage value of a country by connecting its past with its present through culture and art.
10 Honorable Mentions
20 Finalists
May 08 - June 05 (hour 23:59 UTC-5)
$30 / team
Jun 05 - July 03 (hour 23:59 UTC-5)
$50 / team
July 03 - August 04 (hour 23:59 UTC-5)
$75 / team
August 07 (hour 23:59 UTC-5)
September 30
October 9
NewArchCompetitions (NAC) is an organization of architectural competitions that aims to encourage art, innovation, and creativity in students and young architects.
NAC seeks to transform the architectural language of Panama through competitions that broaden the thinking of participants.