The Future Face
of Canadian Design
Submissions are now open for the Big & Lit 2026 Design Award.
Click below for Design Description, Competition Guidelines and the Site Plan.
WHAT IS BIG&LIT?
A National Design Platform That Celebrates New Ideas Across Generations
BIG&LIT is Canada’s emerging design competition dedicated to empowering young minds through creativity and innovation.
Open to children, teens, and students, it invites participants to imagine, design, and build solutions that shape tomorrow’s Canada.
The Big&Lit Prize encourages youth to care about their communities, understand the spaces they inhabit, and transform that awareness into innovative ideas for future generations with the power to create change.
Each year, a new design theme challenges participants to think critically, collaborate across differences, and express their ideas through hands-on creation.
Academic and civic Partners
UBC
University of British ColombiaHost of Presentation Day & Academic Partner
City of North Vancouver
Polygon
Media Sponsor
Canadian Architect
Archdaily
Domus
WHY BIG&LIT? WHY NOW?
In today’s interconnected world—where cultures meet and transform like a living mosaic—young people must be equipped not just to adapt but to imagine boldly. Big&Lit champions design as more than aesthetics: it is a civic language, a tool for shaping environments, relationships, and ideas that carry real impact.
More
We believe Canada needs a generation that thinks critically, collaborates across differences, and takes responsibility for the spaces they inhabit. By fostering creativity early—when minds are fearless and full of wonder— Big&Lit empowers youth to turn questions into bold ideas and visions into
actionable solutions.
Every edition of Big&Lit builds bridges between generations, disciplines, and cultures, nurturing a spirit of innovation, responsibility, and inclusion. By amplifying young voices, we cultivate a future that is adaptive, resilient, and sustainable.
Big&Lit is more than an event—it is a movement that empowers the next generation to design the luminous future they want to live in.
Vision &
Innovation
Inspiring young minds to
imagine boldly, turn ideas
into real-world impact, and
drive meaningful change.
Culture &
Inclusivity
Celebrating diversity,
fostering collaboration,
and ensuring every voice is
valued across generations.
Collaboration &
Responsibility
Bridging differences
through co-creation, while
upholding honesty, ethics,
and accountability toward
communities and the
environment.
Empowerment &
Sustainability
Enabling the next
generation to lead with
ideas and solutions that
shape a sustainable, thriving
future.
THEME 2026
The launch of a legacy
2026 marks the first step—an iconic theme that sparks imagination, connects generations, and sets the tone for years to come.
WHY BRIDGE? WHY LIGHT?
Bridging Generations, Nations, and Cultures for a Bright Canadian Future
The first edition of Big&Lit invites young designers to reimagine the bridge—not as a structure, but as a living symbol of connection between people, cultures, and generations. When united with light, the bridge becomes a beacon that turns uncertainty into possibility and space into story. The 2026 challenge urges participants to move beyond imitation, merging imagination with engineering and emotion with intention. From children to students, Big&Lit 2026 explores how the next generation envisions the future of connection. This project stands as the first link between what we imagine and what we can become.
THE PRIZE & THE EVENT
All students 8 to 25+
One Competition. Many Sparks.
Design knows no age. This competition is open to all students minds across Canada.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
Big&Lit welcomes young minds in three distinct but interconnected tracks—each tailored to a unique stage of growth and creativity. Each has its own challenge brief, judging criteria, and awards, yet they all share a single mission:
Let the next generation design the world they will live in.
No prior experience in design is required. Participants from all disciplines—art, science, technology, architecture, social studies—are encouraged to join. Whether in school, at home, or as part of acommunity group, youth across the country are invited to imagine, design, and shine.
This is not just for future designers. It’s for future thinkers, leaders, and builders.
1
Little Lights
(Ages 8–12)
Hands-on, imaginative design challenges that turn play into purpose.
2
Bright Minds
(Ages 13–18)
Real-world design problems
that encourage critical thinking,
collaboration, and bold ideas.
3
Next Designers
(Ages 19–25+)
Complex, interdisciplinary challenges
for post-secondary students ready
to tackle future cities, systems, and
experiences.
Design Description
Students are invited to design a new community bridge that connects the north and south parts of Lonsdale Avenue, which are currently separated by Highway 1 in North Vancouver. This bridge is not just for crossing. It should become a lively public space where people can walk, bike, gather, and enjoy activities.
Designs should connect Lonsdale (South), adjacent to the new community centre, across the highway to Upper Lonsdale (North), where the bridge should land imaginatively on top of eight existing housing blocks, as illustrated in the site map graphic images. For the purpose of this competition, designers should assume these blocks are vacant land, allowing the bridge to touch down and extend into a new open public space.
Participants are encouraged to explore how architecture, urban design, landscape, and lighting can work together to create a safe, engaging, and vibrant destination that becomes a symbol of unity for the city. The bridge should serve not only as a crossing but as a place where people meet, interact, and experience the city in new ways.
- Entry Opens: December 15, 2025
- Entry Deadline: March 25, 2026
- Nomination Announcement: April 4, 2026
- Jury Session: April 18, 2026
- Location: University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Award Ceremony: May 3, 2026
COMPETITION TIMELINE
Dec. 2025-Feb. 2026
Evaluation Criteria
Concept: a clear and strong idea at the core.
Context & Setting: meaningful connection to geographic and cultural context.
Definition of the Bridge: clear articulation of its purpose and role.
Innovation: originality and creative approaches.
Experimental Design: openness to exploration, bold ideas, and experience-driven
thinking.
Spatial Experience: ability to create and shape engaging spatial qualities.
Relevance: responsiveness to current global and Canadian conditions.
Presentation: clarity and effectiveness in communication; use of diagrams, 3D drawings, and models is encouraged.
Call for Competition
Submission Deadline
Dec. 11th 2025
Official announcement of the 2026 Competition Theme and nationwide opening of submissions.
March. 25th 2026
Mar. 2026
Initial Review
From
March 1st to
April 1st 2026
All submissions reviewed
anonymously. Entries
identified only by number.
Ten finalists selected from
each age group.
Mar. 2026-Apr. 2026
Finalist Announcement
March 30th 2026
A jury of 15 leading professionals selects 10 finalists in each category (Kids, Teens, Students). Shortlisted projects published on the official website.
Presentation Day
April 18th 2026
Finalists invited to the University of British Columbia (UBC) to present their projects and share ideas directly with the jury. This dynamic session allows participants to defend their design, receive feedback, and demonstrate creative thinking, communication, and vision.
May. 2026-Jun. 2026
Award Ceremony
8.5.2026
During the Awards Ceremony at Polygon Art Gallery,three winners in each age group will be announced and celebrated.
We are honored to announce that Mayor
Linda Buchanan, the Mayor of the City of
North Vancouver, will participate in this
year’s Big&Lit Award Ceremony and will personally present the award. Her presence is a remarkable recognition of
the program’s importance and its impact on young creators in our community.
Exhibition & Publishing
May-June 2026
All finalists’ and winners’ projects will be compiled into a book and will also be featured in internationally recognized publications such as Domus and ArchDaily.
Evaluation Criteria
Initial Review
Finalist Announcement
Award Ceremony
Concept: a clear and strong idea at the core.
Context & Setting: meaningful connection to geographic and cultural context.
Definition of the Bridge: clear articulation of its purpose and role.
Innovation: originality and creative approaches.
Experimental Design: openness to exploration, bold ideas, and experience-driven
thinking.
Spatial Experience: ability to create and shape engaging spatial qualities.
Relevance: responsiveness to current global and Canadian conditions.
Presentation: clarity and effectiveness in communication; use of diagrams, 3D drawings, and models is encouraged.
Call for Competition
Submission Deadline
Dec. 11th 2025
Official announcement of the 2026 Competition Theme and nationwide opening of submissions.
March 25th 2026
From
March 1st to
April 1st 2026
All submissions reviewed
anonymously. Entries
identified only by number.
Ten finalists selected from
each age group.
March 30th 2026
A jury of 15 leading professionals selects 10 finalists in each category (Kids, Teens, Students). Shortlisted projects published on the official website.
Presentation Day
April 18th 2026
Finalists invited to the University of British Columbia (UBC) to present their projects and share ideas directly with the jury. This dynamic session allows participants to defend their design, receive feedback, and demonstrate creative thinking, communication, and vision.
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA School of Architecture + Landscape Architecture
8.5.2026
During the Awards Ceremony at Polygon Art Gallery, three winners in each age group will be announced and celebrated.
We are honored to announce that Mayor Linda Buchanan, the Mayor of the City of North Vancouver, will participate in this year’s Big&Lit Award Ceremony and will personally present the award. Her presence is a remarkable recognition of the program’s importance and its impact on
young creators in our community.
Exhibition & Publishing
May-June 2026
All finalists’ and winners’ projects will be compiled into a book and will also be featured in internationally recognized publications such as Domus and ArchDaily.
Dec. 2025
Jan.
Feb. 2026
Mar. 2026
Apr.
Mary. 2026
Jun.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Every idea begins with a spark. Some stretch wide to illuminate the world. Others shine inward to move the soul.
Our 3 Signature Awards
honor the full spectrum of design’s power to imagine a better future
Elementary Award
Tribute to ideas that reach far;
bold, expansive, and transformative in scale.
1 .1st Place:
1000 C$
2 .2nd Place:
700 C$
3 .3rd Place:
500 C$
+ All award winners will receive Six Month Full Scholarship at Innohub Academy
Awarded to ideas that are:
Bold: daring, original, unafraid to take risks.
Expansive: engaging cultural, social, or environmental dimensions.
Transformative: reshaping how we think, creating new possibilities.
Focus: the scale of imagination and impact, not physical size.
High school Award
Celebration of ideas that resonate deeply;
thoughtful, intimate, and emotionally powerful.
1500 C$ or Scholarship
2 .2nd Place:
1000 C$
3 .3rd Place:
500 C$
+ All award winners will receive personalized mentorship as part of their recognition
Awarded to ideas that are:
Resonant: creating strong connections with audience or context.
Thoughtful: refined in detail and concept.
Intimate: evoking personal or close experiences.Emotionally Powerful: moving, inspiring, touching.
Focus: subtlety, depth, and experiential qualities rather than scale.
University Award
Reserved for rare designs that do both;
igniting minds and changing live.
1 .1st Place:+ Next Year Jury Opportunity
1500 C$
2 .2nd Place:
1000 C$
3 .3rd Place:
500 C$
+ All award winners will receive personalized mentorship as part of their recognition
Awarded to ideas that are:
Bold & Transformative in vision and impact. Emotionally Powerful & Experiential, creating deep, intimate connections.
This award celebrates ideas that are both far-reaching and profoundly experiential
ADVISORY & JURY PROFILE
Excellence Meets Integrity
Big & Lit is proud to be reviewed by a truly diverse panel composed of leading experts and visionaries from across the globe. These judges bring experience spanning architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, urban design, product and brand innovation, and award-winning educational practice, with several receiving international recognition for excellence in teaching.
They include professors from some of the world’s most prestigious universities, accomplished practitioners, and forward-thinking leaders whose perspectives carry deep meaning for us.
This panel represents diversity and innovation at their best—being bold, generating transformative ideas, and embracing fearless thinking. Their presence inspires us to push boundaries and imagine what a brighter, more connected future can look like.
Patrick Condon
Professor at UBC Urban Designer & Planner
Hossein Amanat
Hon. D.Litt., Architect AIBC
Marc Boutin
Frank Docute
Urban designer
FCIP RPP & Principal
Michelle Fenton
Lindsey Fryett Jerke
Paul Giles
Harley Grusko
Award-Winning Architect
AIBC, LEED AP
Derek Lee
Landscape Architect
Partner at PWL Partnership
CSLA, MBCSLA, LEED AP, IAP2
Nashid Nabian
Elsa Lam
Editor of Canadian
Architect magazine
OAA, FRAIC
Arash A. Najari
Tamila Pashaee
Ema Peter
Daniel Roehr
Professor & chair of
landscape architecture at UBC
MBCSLA, CSLA, AKB
Foad Rafii
Julia Smachylo
Assistant Professor of
Landscape Architecture
DDes, RTPI, RPP
ORGANIZER’S PROFILE
Innohub Canada;
A Vancouver-Based Innovation Academy
Big & Lit is proudly organized by InnoHub Canada, a Vancouver-based educational academy dedicated to empowering the next generation of designers, thinkers, and changemakers. InnoHub focuses on nurturing creativity, design thinking, and problem-solving skills in children and youth through hands-on, future-focused learning.
Our multidisciplinary team of educators, designers, and researchers is committed to providing meaningful design experiences that connect imagination with real-world impact. Through our programs and community initiatives, we aim to cultivate confident, empathetic, and innovative young citizens.
Big & Lit reflects our core belief:
When young people are trusted with the tools of design, they shape futures beyond what we can imagine.
FOUNDERS AND LEADERS
Team members
Nastaran Beigi
Architectural designer | Urban designer
Co founder and director Innohub Academy and Big&lit awards
Nastaran E. Beigi is the Co-Founder and Director of InnoHub Academy and a passionate educator at the intersection of design and childhood development.
She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Tehran (Science) and a Master’s degree in Urban Design from the University of British Columbia. With over a decade of professional experience, including her work with Dialog, a leading architecture firm in Vancouver, Nastaran brings her expertise and passion into education and innovation.
She has presented research and published papers at international symposiums, including the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), where she has also delivered lectures. Her mission is to make design education accessible and meaningful for all children—empowering them to explore, imagine, and shape the world through creative problem-solving.
Sara Kalantary
PHD in Architecture
Co founder and director Innohub Academy and Big&lit awards
Sara Kalantary is the Co-Founder and director of InnoHub Academy and holds a Ph.D. in Architecture. In 2004, she co-founded TDC Office, and since then, she has been professionally engaged in architecture and design across a wide range of scales—from residential to large-scale urban development.
Over the years, Sara has received numerous international awards and recognitions for her creativity and forward-thinking approach to design. Her most notable achievements include:
• Winner of the Chicago International Award for the Best New Global Design (IAA)
• First Place at the Asia Architecture Awards (2AAA)
• Honorable Mention at the World Architecture Festival (WAF)
• Winner of the New York International Award (Architizer)
• Featured in Domus documentary under the title “Architecture Meets Nature” by Sara Kalantary & Reza Sayadian
• Selected by Domus Magazine for her new urban vision and transformative approach to city change
• Patent registered at WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) for Saba House
• Named the Leading Architect in Asia
From 2005 to 2019, Sara served as a professor at Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, where she taught core architectural design studios. She has been invited to lecture at many prestigious universities around the world and has served as a jury member for several international architectural awards and competitions. Her articles have been published in renowned magazines and books such as Phaidon and Architectural Design (AD).
team members
Vida Jannesar
Creative Marketing Director
Vida Jannesar a strategic marketing director with a multidisciplinary background in marketing, neuroscience, and community development. As the founder of Vink Studio, she has led brand strategy and creative campaigns for a range of purpose-driven organizations.
At Big&Lit, Vida oversees the competition’s vision, partnerships, and brand direction. She bridges creativity and strategy to connect architecture, youth innovation, and cultural collaboration,
helping shape a platform that celebrates meaningful design and emerging talent.
Her work focuses on storytelling, impactful communication, and building initiatives that inspire creativity and connection across communities.
Amir Shahrabi
Design Strategist & Innovation Consultant
Amir Shahrabi is a design strategist and innovation consultant with over 30 years of experience in building transformative ecosystems across industries. As the founder of Paraverse, Preverse, and Proverse, he has pioneered cross-disciplinary methods to fuse business, brand, and product innovation. He is the author of a proprietary -66cell problem solving matrix, integrating philosophy, design, sustainability, and technology. Amir’s work focuses on future-driven thinking, systemic change, and human centered solutions.
ARTIST PARTNERS
Mari Khourie
We are honored to introduce Marie Khouri as the Artist Partner for one of the Big & Lit 2026 award categories, where she will create a custom trophy that bridges architecture, art, and cultural expression.
Born in Egypt and raised in Lebanon, Vancouver-based sculptor Marie Khouri draws from a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and personal influences. Her early life, shaped by the experience of the Lebanese Civil War, led her on a journey through Spain and ultimately to Paris, where she refined her artistic practice at l’École du Louvre.
Khouri’s work transcends conventional boundaries between art and design, blending modernist sensibilities with deep emotional resonance. Influenced by Henry Moore’s direct carving technique, her sculptures explore the relationship between language, form, and the human body—reflecting her intimate connection to the layered histories and identities of the Middle East.
Amin Balaghi
We are pleased to introduce Amin Balaghi as an Artist Partner for Big & Lit 2026, contributing his vision to the creation of a custom award trophy that reflects innovation, craftsmanship, and resilience.
Born in Shiraz, Iran, Amin Balaghi emerged from the pioneering generation of artists trained at Tehran’s Art University following the Iranian Revolution. Early in his career, he gained recognition through the Tehran Sculpture Biennial and major public commissions, including the creation of one of Tehran’s most significant bronze sculptures of its time.
Returning to Shiraz, Balaghi founded a bronze casting workshop and, driven by technological limitations, expanded into digital fabrication. In 2015, he built Iran’s first large-scale 3D printer, combining sculpture with electronics, CNC technology, and parametric design—an approach that led to the creation of Iran’s largest parametric iron sculpture.
Hamed Rashtian
We are honored to introduce Hamed Rashtian as the Artist Partner for one of the Big & Lit 2026 award categories.
Hamed Rashtian is a Vancouver-based visual artist whose practice engages architecture, urban space, and the cultural narratives embedded in the built environment. He holds a Swiss Federal Diploma of Higher Education from F+F School of Art and Design (Zurich) and an MFA from Emily Carr University, and is currently a PhD candidate in the School of Interactive Arts and Technology at Simon Fraser University.
His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally in ten solo exhibitions and over sixty group exhibitions, and he has realized six public art commissions involving site-specific design and fabrication. Alongside his studio practice, Rashtian has taught at Emily Carr University and Simon Fraser University.
Rashtian’s work explores cultural hybridity through layered urban histories, focusing on architecture as a site where memory, power, and everyday life intersect. Working across sculpture, photography, installation, and archival materials, his ongoing practice examines architecture as both material structure and cultural artifact.
PARTNERS
We are pleased to announce Polar Bear Creative as the Website Development and Email Marketing Partner of the Big & Lit Canadian Design Award.
Polar Bear Creative is a digital marketing and technology consultancy dedicated to helping organizations establish a clear, professional, and impactful online presence. We guide businesses in strategic planning, website development, and technology choices to ensure their digital tools align seamlessly with their goals.
As a sponsor, Polar Bear Creative is delighted to support an event that honors vision and creativity, recognizing the innovative minds that shape the spaces in which we live and work. We believe in celebrating those who bring unique ideas to life.
Fleur De Lis
We are proud to announce Fleur De Lis Events as the Event Partner of the Big & Lit Canadian Design Award.
Fleur De Lis Events is recognized for delivering exceptional customer service while creating unique and memorable experiences. Built on a foundation of creativity, enthusiasm, and professionalism, their team is known for translating vision into beautifully executed events.
With privileged access to venues and a meticulous approach to planning, Fleur De Lis Events ensures that every detail, from our concept to execution, is handled with care and precision. Their commitment to excellence allows each event to unfold seamlessly and leave a lasting impression on guests.
We are delighted to collaborate with a team that shares our dedication to quality, creativity, and meaningful experiences.
We are pleased to announce Qualex-Landmark™ as a Partner of the Big & Lit Canadian Design Award.
Qualex-Landmark™ is a family-owned real estate development company rooted in Vancouver, with over 30 years of experience building thoughtfully designed homes for families and communities. We believe the places we build shape the people who live there—which is why we’re proud to support initiatives that nurture creativity and curiosity in future generations.
Mani Architect
We are proud to announce Mani Architect as a Partner of the Big & Lit Canadian Design Award.
Sanaz Mani, a registered architect since 2013, is the founder and CEO of Bouthouse Architect Inc. and Mani Architect Inc. Her work spans multi-family and commercial projects across BC, and she is a recipient of several UBC academic awards.
frequently asked questions
What is the Big & Lit Award?
The Big & Lit Canadian Design Award is a national design competition for young students aged 8 to 25+. It aims to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and design excellence by giving the next generation a real platform to express ideas that shape the future of our cities and communities.
Who can participate?
The competition is open to students aged 8 to 25+, divided into three age categories. Students, self-taught creatives, and emerging designers from across Canada are welcome to apply.
Do participants need professional experience?
No professional experience is required. Big & Lit focuses on ideas, creativity, and design thinking, not prior achievements or technical perfection.
What is this year’s design challenge?
This year’s challenge focuses on designing a pedestrian and bike bridge connecting Lonsdale to Queens Avenue across the highway — a conceptual link that reconnects two parts of North Vancouver.
Can participants interpret the challenge creatively?
Absolutely. Participants are encouraged to think beyond traditional bridge designs and explore creative, symbolic, or conceptual interpretations of connection.
What are the age categories?
Participants are grouped into three age categories to ensure fair evaluation based on development and skill level.
How are submissions evaluated?
Submissions are evaluated by an international jury based on creativity, concept strength, relevance to the challenge, and clarity of presentation — appropriate to each age group.
Who are the jury members?
Big & Lit jurors include renowned architects, designers, artists, and educators from Canada and internationally, carefully selected for their expertise and impact in the field.
What do winners receive?
Each category winner receives a custom-made trophy created by a renowned artist, along with national recognition and publication across major architecture and design platforms.
Is this a Canadian-wide competition?
Yes. Big & Lit is a national Canadian award, welcoming participants from all provinces and territories.
When is Jury Day and the Award Ceremony?
Jury Day will take place in April, followed by the official Award Ceremony, where winners will be announced and celebrated.
How can schools and communities get involved?
Schools, educators, and community organizations are encouraged to spread the word, support participants, and engage young creatives in the competition.
