Youth Architecture Competition

Create your place at Sechseläutenplatz!

Between the Opera House and Lake Zurich, a new building is set to rise – featuring an open community space and an inviting viewing terrace. Before the professionals bring the architectural project to life, local youth were asked: How can a place become a comfort zone for people of all kinds?

Young people aged 10 to 18 from across the canton were warmly invited to contribute their ideas, get involved and share their dreams. Around 700 responded to our call. The more than 350 entries were exhibited to the public in March 2026 at the Baugewerblichen Berufsschule Zürich (BBZ) and remain available online. Particularly impressive designs were recognised by a distinguished jury, and an audience award was presented.

The competition was organized by the Zurich Opera House and the Stiftung Zukunft Opernhaus Zürich as well as Heimatschutzzentrum, OFFCUT Zürich, Schule + Kultur and ZAZ BELLERIVE Zentrum für Architektur Zürich. Alongside the competition, workshops on various topics were held. The deadline for submissions was 22 February 2026. 

Read more Show less

Online Exhibition

The more than 350 entries can be viewed online.

More

The Prize-Winning Projects

First prize, Category 1
(10–12 years)

091 Emma / Claire

In the first category, Emma M. and Claire B. won over the jury. They appreciated the great attention to detail and the focus on creating sheltered areas and retreats, and admired the architectural inversion – the way the interior had been turned inside out.

View project

First prize, Category 2
(13–15 years)

288 Aemtler B: 3rd secondary school

In the 13–15 age group, an entire class took the win. Alesar T., Adam a. H., Adonis S., Alysha A., Anisa I., Asvini P., Bjordi G., Carla L., Denis K., Enea F., Jasper C., Julian H., Laila V., Lea W., Lilo A., Lino B., Mark F., May K., Miro Z., Sion N., Timofey R. and Charlotte B. were presented with the prize alongside their teacher, Julia Hofstetter. The jury praised the creativity and the aesthetic execution of the class project.

View project

First prize, Category 3
(16–18 years)

305 Arthur T. und Oscar V.: Floating Forum

Two pupils of Claudia Caprez at the Kantonsschule Zürich Nord won the prize in the oldest age category. The jury was impressed by the clear design language, particularly of the roof concept, the focus on the quality of the environment, the successful integration of Sechseläutenplatz, and the deliberate openness to the outside. They were also delighted by the intensive consideration given to the connection between the old and new buildings.

View project

Audience Award

415 Joel, Noe & Marc: The Wave

The Audience Award, with an incredible 491 votes, goes to Joel Wey, Noe Tonon and Marc Herr. The three budding draughtsmen (specialising in architecture) from Deana Sonderegger-Canonica’s class attend the Baugewerbliche Berufsschule Zürich. We would like to thank everyone who voted so enthusiastically!

View project

Insights, Impressions and Highlights

Brochure

Our brochure (only available in German) provides a deeper insight into the Youth Architecture Competition and the «Zukunft Oper» building project. Revised for a wider audience to coincide with the exhibition and finally available again!

Order now for free