MBMA Opens 2026 Student Design Competition for Metal Public Library Concept
The Metal Building Manufacturers Association has launched the 2026 Student Design Competition, encouraging architecture students to create a 40,000 square foot public library and community knowledge center utilizing metal building systems. A total of over $30,000 in prizes will be distributed among both graduate and undergraduate teams, with awards shared equally among registered participants. Full-time students with a faculty sponsor can register for free. All submissions must be received by January 11, 2027, at www.mbmaeducation.org, where participants can find design guidelines and requirements. Winners will be revealed in March 2027. Contest organizer Jon-Paul (JP) Cardin highlighted the competition's expansion and the benefits of metal structures. Inquiries can be sent to Cardin via email.
Key facts
- The MBMA 2026 Student Design Competition is now open for entries
- This is the sixth year of the competition
- Students must design a public library/community knowledge hub of approximately 40,000 square feet with outdoor event spaces
- More than $30,000 in prizes will be awarded across graduate and undergraduate divisions
- Submissions are due by January 11, 2027, with registration at www.mbmaeducation.org
- Registration is free to full-time graduate and undergraduate students, who must have a faculty sponsor
- Winners will be announced in March 2027, with honorable mentions possible at the judges' discretion
- Jon-Paul (JP) Cardin is MBMA's director of research and engineering and the contest organizer
Entities
Artists
- Jaden
- Jaden Flint
- Abigail Weston
- Lorance Shabo
- Jon-Paul Cardin
- JP Cardin
Institutions
- Metal Building Manufacturers Association
- MBMA
Locations
- North America