This concept remains the property of the NT Chapter Australian Institute of Architects but can be shared with express permission of the Awards committee.
Table Lights: A Mini Architecture Competition
Overview
As part of this year’s awards night celebrations, we are hosting a fun, informal architectural design competition for table centrepieces.
Participants are invited to design and fabricate small architectural models that house a LED tealight candle, creating a glowing object that can sit on the dining tables throughout the evening. These pieces will collectively transform the room into a miniature architectural exhibition.
This is a creative, light hearted competition open to anyone in the architecture and design community—whether working solo or as a group.
Design Challenge
Design a small-scale architectural model that:
• Is inspired by architecture (built, speculative, abstract, conceptual, or playful)
• Is capable of containing or accommodating an one or more LED tealight candle
• Functions as a table centrepiece for an awards night setting
The intent is to celebrate creativity, experimentation, humour, craft, and architectural thinking—not perfection or buildability at full scale.
Key Constraints
All entries must comply with the following:
| ITEM | REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|
| Maximum Size | 300 mm × 300 mm × 300 mm (including any base or overhangs) |
| Lighting | Must be designed for use with a battery-powered LED tealight candle only |
| Stability | Models must be free-standing and stable on a flat table surface |
Who Can Enter
• Open to any person or studio
• Entries may be submitted:
o Individually
o As a studio
o As a group or collaborative team
• There is no limit on age, experience level, or professional status
Multiple entries are permitted.
Submission Requirements
Each entry must include:
1. The physical model
2. A label or tag with:
o Project title
o Name(s) of entrant(s)
o Studio (if applicable)
3. (Optional) A short design statement (max 100 words)
Judging & Awards
- Models will be displayed on the awards night tables and judged during the event.
- Prizes will be awarded!! (We don’t know what they will be yet)
- Judging will prioritise creativity, originality, concept, and delight over technical polish.
Ownership & Return
• All models remain the property of the entrant
• Models may be collected after the event (details to be confirmed)
• Photographs of entries may be used for event promotion and documentation, with credit given
Spirit of the Competition
This competition is intended to be:
• Fun
• Experimental
• Inclusive
• A celebration of architectural imagination at a small scale
Think of it as architecture as atmosphere—tiny buildings that glow, spark conversation, and bring joy to the table.
All completed physical models must be hand-delivered to the designated venue on Friday, 26 June 2026 (specific drop-off times and location to be confirmed closer to the date).
Entries should be designed as small-scale architectural models capable of housing one or more LED tealight candles.
Please contact the Northern Territory Chapter here.
You can view some examples of what a table centre piece might look like here.