When it comes to design competitions like ICA Creative Minds Next 2025, one of the most common questions architects and interior designers ask is:
Should I submit a conceptual project or an ongoing one? Which type has a better chance of winning?
Both project types offer unique opportunities and have their own advantages in the competition space. Let’s break down what makes conceptual projects and ongoing projects perform well in awards like ICA Creative Minds Next 2025, an initiative by FOAID.
What Are Conceptual Projects?
Conceptual projects are designs that have not yet begun construction. These may include:
- Thesis projects
- Speculative designs
- Experimental studies
- Innovative ideas on paper
ICA Creative Minds Next 2025 celebrates these projects because they push the boundaries of creative thinking and challenge conventional design approaches.
Why Conceptual Projects Perform Well:
- Unlimited Creativity: There are no real-world constraints, allowing participants to fully explore bold, futuristic, and disruptive ideas.
- Strong Narrative: A well-articulated concept with a clear story and purpose can have a powerful impact on the jury.
Visual Freedom: Clean, compelling 3D renders, conceptual sketches, and diagrams can strongly convey the design vision.
What Are Ongoing Projects?
Ongoing projects are currently under construction with a projected completion date after 31st August 2025.
These projects bring a balance of creativity and real-world application. They demonstrate not just design vision but also execution capability.
Why Ongoing Projects Perform Well:
- Real-World Impact: Ongoing projects show how design translates from concept to physical space.
- Technical Feasibility: They highlight practical problem-solving, site management, and construction detailing.
Process Documentation: With site photographs, progress visuals, and material selections, ongoing projects provide a complete story of evolution.
Which Projects Perform Better in ICA Creative Minds Next 2025?
The answer depends on how well you present your work.
- Conceptual projects win when they showcase extraordinary vision, social relevance, sustainability, and creativity that push design thinking forward.
- Ongoing projects win when they clearly demonstrate both design quality and execution proficiency, backed by strong documentation and visuals of real progress.
In ICA Creative Minds Next 2025, both categories have an equal chance to shine. The competition is designed to appreciate:
- Bold conceptual thinking
- Strong storytelling
- Attention to detail in process
- Design relevance and potential impact
What matters most is:
- How well the project addresses the judging criteria
- The quality of visuals and write-ups
- Clarity in project objectives and solutions
Key Takeaway:
✅ Submit a conceptual project if your strength lies in visionary ideas, groundbreaking design approaches, and narrative-driven concepts.
✅ Submit an ongoing project if you want to showcase your ability to turn vision into reality with tangible, site-driven progress
Want to Put Your Best Project Forward?
Whether you’re submitting a concept or an ongoing build, ICA Creative Minds Next 2025 is the perfect platform to showcase your work to the national design community.
Registration closes: 15th August 2025
Final Submission Deadline: 31st August 2025
