2025-26
ADO 7.0
Designing Sustainable
Façades for Smarter,
Greener Workspaces.
AIS Design Olympiad this year challenges architecture students to push the boundaries of
sustainable design by imagining green workspaces powered by sustainable façades. Create a
building where energy performance, adaptability, and human centric designs inspire the
workplaces of the future.
Introduction
Green offices have long been a cornerstone of sustainable architecture. But today, as we stand at
the intersection of climate urgency and evolving workplace culture, the definition of a “Green
Office” demands a deeper, more holistic interpretation.
This competition challenges you to reimagine the office as a high-performance habitat—a space
that does more than reduce environmental impact. It should heal, inspire, and empower, becoming
a beacon of sustainability, innovation, and human-centric design.
In contemporary architectural design, the façade is more than a building’s outer skin, it's the
interface between the built environment and the natural world. As we face the challenges of
climate change and increasing urban density, sustainable façades have become critical in shaping
smarter, greener workspaces.
For student architects, reimagining the façade is an opportunity to blend creativity with
responsibility and to design not just for aesthetics, but for performance and impact. ADO 7.0 invites
you to rethink the surface of a building as a living, responsive system that contributes actively to
environmental well-being and workplace vitality. Let your imagination lead the way in crafting
façades that breathe, adapt, and inspire.
2025-26
Mr. Vikram Khanna
COO - Consumer Glass & Architectural Institutional Business
CMO - Asahi India Glass Limited
In the pursuit of sustainable architecture, the modern workplace must transcend
traditional design principles to embody efficiency, adaptability, and environmental
responsibility. As leaders in the field of innovation and sustainability, we recognise that
façades serve not merely as structural components but as dynamic interfaces that
harmonise aesthetics, performance, and energy efficiency.
ADO 7.0 invites young minds to reimagine the future of workplace design through the
lens of façade innovation—where aesthetics meet performance, and sustainability
becomes a design imperative. This year’s theme challenges students to craft building
envelopes that not only respond to climate goals but also inspire collaboration,
comfort, and architectural excellence.
More than just a competition, ADO 7.0 is a platform that encourages students to think
big, push boundaries, and explore bold design narratives. It enables meaningful
interaction with leading architects and industry professionals—offering an invaluable
opportunity to showcase talent, gain critical exposure, and build a lasting network
within the architecture and design fraternity.
2025-26
Architecture has the profound ability to shape the
way we live, work, and interact with the world around
us. In the face of climate urgency and evolving work
culture, the responsibility of architects extends
beyond form and function—it is about creating
regenerative spaces that inspire and perform.
Ar. Vivek Bhole ADO 7.0 inspires the students to challenge
Principal, Vivek Bhole Architects Pvt. Ltd. conventional boundaries, rethink façades as more
(VBA), Mumbai.
Curator and National Jury Member,
than enclosures, and design them in a manner that
AIS Design Olympiad fosters collaboration, creativity, and sustainability.
The future of architecture lies in spaces that heal,
empower, and lead by example.
A truly net-zero green workspace is more than
just an efficient shell — it is a living, breathing
ecosystem that nurtures innovation, well-being,
and sustainability.
As architects, we have the power to redefine
façades — transforming them from static
envelopes into dynamic contributors to energy
efficiency, daylight optimization, and user comfort.
With ADO 7.0, students of architecture step into Ar. Karl Wadia
the future, embracing new possibilities to create Design Principal, Hafeez Contractor, Mumbai.
Curator and National Jury Member, AIS Design Olympiad
workspaces that don’t just function — they inspire.
Let creativity lead the way as we set new
benchmarks in sustainable design.
About AIS
2025-26
Asahi India Glass Ltd. (AIS) is India's leading integrated glass and
window solutions company and a dominant player both in the
automotive and architectural glass segments. It commands over 70%
share in the Indian passenger car glass segment. Started in 1987, AIS'
footprint today spans the entire spectrum of the automotive and
architectural glass value chains.
AIS has 3 Strategic Business Units (SBUs) - Automotive, Architectural and Consumer. It is
engaged in the production and delivery of next-generation glass products and solutions to retail
and institutional customers through these SBUs and provides end-to-end solutions across the
entire value chain in all 3 segments – from the manufacturing of float glass to glass processing,
fabrication, and installation. AIS caters to customers in domestic as well as international markets.
ADO 7.0 Theme
Designing a Sustainable Façade for a
Net Zero Green Workspace.
“The façade is the soul of the building”- Jean Nouvel, renowned French Architect.
Design Objectives
Participants are invited to design a multi-office building that redefines the future of work through
a strong emphasis on design innovation, net-zero energy performance, and human-centric
sustainability. The objective is to create a workplace that not only accommodates diverse office
functions but also enhances occupant productivity, promotes environmental responsibility, and
adapts to evolving work patterns. The design should integrate passive and active strategies for
energy efficiency, innovative use of materials, and flexible spatial planning — all rooted in a
cohesive architectural identity driven by a responsive and intelligent façade system.
The Design Task:
1. Façade Innovation (Primary Focus)
Develop a façade that:
• Adapts to climate and daylight.
• Minimises heat gain and glare.
• Integrates intelligent materials (e.g., smart glass, kinetic shading, double-skin systems).
• Designs should integrate both passive and active strategies, such as:
Sun-shading devices (e.g., vertical fins, louvers, kinetic shading).
Double-skin façades for improved thermal buffering.
Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) to generate on-site energy.
Glare control and daylight-redirecting systems for visual comfort.
2025-26
2. Thermal Visual Comfort
Develop a façade that:
• Achieves thermal comfort with natural ventilation, shading, and material insulation.
• Optimizes visual comfort with glare control, daylight integration, and outdoor visual connection.
• Supports circadian lighting strategies using daylight-responsive systems.
3. Motivational Adaptive Workspaces
• Design for focus, flexibility, collaboration, and social interaction.
• Encourage movement and choice, providing a diversity of work settings.
• Integrate biophilic design, acoustic comfort, and air quality for well-being.
• Natural ventilation and operable windows.
• Low-VOC, non-toxic materials for healthy indoor air.
• Daylight-responsive lighting systems to support circadian rhythm.
4. Innovative Materials and Technologies
• Use Green & Sustainable building materials.
• Highlight any use of emerging technologies.
• Evaluate impact on energy consumption, cost savings, and occupant well-being.
5. Sustainability and Net-Zero Energy
• Incorporate passive design and low-energy systems.
• Integrate renewable energy systems like solar PV or BIPV.
• Reduce embodied and operational carbon.
• Use water-efficient fixtures, waste management, and recycling strategies.
• Provide a clear sustainability plan outlining energy efficiency, renewable systems, and
green material use.
Site Design Program Guidelines
Participants can choose a site in an urban Tier 1 or Tier 2 city within the following parameters:
1. Site Area: 5 acres or above
2. FAR: 2.5 (show green building compliance for additional FAR as per state rules)
3. Ground Coverage: 40%
4. Green Cover: Minimum 60% of total site area (including on ground and on buildings green spaces)
5. Plan for public benefit land contributions with at least 35% public open retention.
6. Regulations: Follow local development by-laws or NBC 2016 or latest version
7. Materials: Use of green innovative materials is mandatory (either partially or wholly)
On materials (1–2 slides in presentation):
1. Justify material selection - why chosen over conventional options?
2. Explain the impact:
Energy and carbon savings
Cost-effectiveness
Labor safety and health
Long-term performance and recyclability
Submission Requirements
2025-26
Presentation
• A maximum 30-slide presentation (16:9 ratio) per team, to be presented in 15 minutes
followed by a 5 minute Q&A session by the jury members.
Presentation must include:
• Design concept
• Architectural drawings (site plan, floor plans, sections, elevations)
• 3D views and renderings
• It is recommended to support your concept with a scientific energy simulation using software
such as DesignBuilder, IES, EQuest, EnergyPlus, Ecotech, or any other relevant tool.
Please mention the software used, if applicable.
• Details of façade and innovative systems
• Sustainability features at site and building levels
• Green materials list with rationale (1–2 slides)
• Construction innovation details, if applicable (1–2 slides)
Eligibility:
• Open to all undergraduate students of Architecture and Design across India.
(3rd year to 5th year students)
Team Composition:
• Minimum of two students per team and a maximum of four students per team.
(All students should be undergraduate architectural students from 3rd year to 5th year)
Sustainability Documentation
• Detailed Sustainability Plan with:
Energy efficiency measures
Renewable energy systems
Green building materials and technologies used
GRIHA, LEED & IGBC can be considered for green rating criteria
• Quantitative Submissions:
Net-zero compliance calculations:
Energy Rating System Index (ERSI)
Energy Conservation Code (ECBC) compliance
Energy Performance Index (EPI)
• Decarbonization Strategy:
Design-based and operational measures
• Lifecycle Impact Summaries (optional but encouraged)
Project Summary
• A concise project description (maximum 2 A4 pages), covering
Vision
Key Design Highlights
Site choice and its relevance
Summary of sustainable and innovative strategies
Selection Rounds
2025-26
Round One: Online Submission
Top 10 submissions will be selected from each zone.
Round Two: Regional Round
The top 10 submissions selected from each zone will participate in
the regional round adjudged by a panel of veteran architects.
Top 2 finalists from each zone will qualify for the Grand Finale.
This jury will also mentor these teams and prepare them for the Grand Finale.
Grand Finale and AIS Plant Visit
Top 2 teams from each zone get to visit a state of the art manufacturing facility of AIS followed by
the opportunity to interact with prominent architects and present their designs.
Conclusion
This is a competition about vision and responsibility. As future designers of the built
environment, how will you define the façades of tomorrow?
Let your façades breathe innovation, let your materials whisper resilience, and let your
spaces resonate with the rhythms of human well-being and planetary health.
Design Boldly. Design Consciously. Design to Inspire.
Prizes
Regional Finale
• 1st Prize – Rs 50,000 Group Prize • 1st Prize – Rs 1,00,000 Group Prize
(Additional Sponsorship of Rs 1,00,000 towards college fees for each team member)
• 2nd Prize – Rs 30,000 Group Prize
• 2nd Prize – Rs 50,000 Group Prize
• 3rd Prize – Rs 20,000 Group Prize (Additional Sponsorship of Rs 75,000 towards college fees for each team member)
• 3rd Prize – Rs 30,000 Group Prize
(Additional Sponsorship of Rs 50,000 towards college fees for each team member)
• Special Prize – Rs 30,000
SAVE THE DATES
Registrations for round one close on: 30th November 2025
Submissions for round one close on: 25th December 2025
Regional rounds: Mid January 2026 | Finale: Mid February 2026
Discover more at: [Link]/ado/
Disclaimer: The dates mentioned here may change due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, revised dates will be communicated.
Participants are encouraged to regularly check our website and social media accounts for updates.
