2026 Competition
Spatializing Justice: Building Blocks
Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman
Critical intervention into the urban field requires first recognizing the contested spatial and institutional power dynamics that drive today's urban and bio-regional crises. The 2026 Lyceum Fellowship competition asks participants to first expose and visualize a particular conflict—reflecting on the requisite political, economic, social, and spatial processes—then design the conditions to tackle this conflict.
Learn MoreExperiencesThis fellowship has been an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth. I look forward to applying these insights to my architectural practice and continuing to explore the rich tapestry of global architectural styles.
Ilmi Licaj 2023, Second Prize
ExperiencesThe intentions of the travel was to better understand the overall direction of my graduate research. Many of the sites and cities visited looked to understand the spatial connection between people and forests. Through these connections I wanted to learn how it could then apply to the reforestation of Ireland.
Michael Fitzpatrick 2023, First Prize
ExperiencesMy journey to Japan optimistically aimed to enhance my understanding of the built environment, explore and exercise different approaches to sketching, and draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of Japanese art and architecture.
Ruqaiyah Bandukwala 2023, Third Prize
Experiences… the glory that was Greece, the grandeur that was Rome! – Edgar Allan Poe
Ruth Shiferaw 2020, Third Prize
Travel By the Numbers
1986–Present
Lyceum Archives
Our mission is to advance the profession of architecture by engaging students in design and travel.
For four decades, the Lyceum has conducted an annual architectural design competition for students, engaging highly noted architects from all areas of the field to develop our program briefs. The Lyceum was established in 1985 by Jon McKee, AIA (1927‑2013). We have awarded more than half a million dollars in travel grants to date, enriching the education of highly talented students through travel to more than 110 countries. In recognition of the Lyceum's mission and legacy, the Lyceum received the American Institute of Architects' prestigious AIA Collaborative Achievement Award.
See Past WinnersCompetition
LYCEUM STUDIOS
Faculty are enthusiastically encouraged to structure design studios around Lyceum competition briefs. Sign up for our emails to be among the first to learn about new competitions on the website. "The Lyceum Fellowship Competition is an outstanding learning experience for the student competitors and faculty advisors. The project brief provides a detailed and informed foundation, and the integration of developing a travel proposal along with a design project encourages expansive thinking. Aspects raised through design inquiry open portals to seeking in-situ learning. The method of presentation encourages both independent exploration and the focus to convey ideas through concise expression. While the prizes are substantial, it was evident that an incredibly valuable semester was its own reward." Joanna Lombard, University of Miami Faculty Advisor
