BIG & LIT AWARD GUIDELINES & SUBMISSION
Big & Lit Award 2026
Entry Submission Form
Theme: The Bridge That Connects
General Requirement
• Sheet Size: 50 × 70 cm (19.7 × 27.6 inches)
• Anonymity: No names or identifying information on any sheet.
Submission Limits:
• Elementary School: 1 sheet
• High School: 1 sheet
• University Students (up to 25 years old): Up to 2 sheets
• All work is original, clear, and well-presented.
“A non-refundable $30 registration fee is required per project to cover administration and processing costs.”
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.
ways.
Note: This is a conceptual design; precise dimensions are not required, as the focus is on overall ideas and spatial concepts.
Key Dates
- Entry Opens: December 15, 2025
- Entry Deadline: March 25, 2026
- Nomination Announcement: April 4, 2026
- Jury Session: April 18, 2026, University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Award Ceremony: May 3, 2026, Polygon Gallery, North Vancouver
The Mayor of the City of North Vancouver will present the awards.
Elementary School (Ages 8–12)
Submission:
1 sheet — 50 × 70 cm (19.7 × 27.6 inches)
Concept / Idea
A clear and simple presentation of the idea.
Initial Sketch
A hand-drawn sketch showing early development.
Physical Model
A small handmade model.
Model photos are placed on the sheet.
Optional 3D Sketch
A simple 3D drawing of the idea or the model.
Final Sheet Includes:
Concept + Initial Sketch + Model Photos (required) + Optional 3D Sketch
High School Students
Submission:
1 sheet — 50 × 70 cm (19.7 × 27.6 inches)
Concept Statement
A clear summary of the idea.
Concept Diagram
Shows the development and logic of the concept.
3D Representation
A physical model with photos or a digital 3D view.
Project Documents: Plan + Elevation + Context
At least one plan and one elevation are included.
The sheet shows how the project relates to its surroundings.
University Students (Up to 25 Years Old)
Submission:
Up to 2 sheets — each 50 × 70 cm (19.7 × 27.6 inches)
Concept Statement
A focused explanation of the main idea.
Concept Diagram
Illustrates the evolution and structure of the concept.
Context / Site Analysis Diagram
Shows site conditions, context, and design parameters.
Site Plan
Represents the placement of the project on the site.
Technical & Design Documents
May include plans, elevations, sections, and other project information.
These can be digital or hand-drawn.
3D Representation
Any of the following formats:
• Digital visuals
• Hand-drawn perspectives
• Model photographs
Summary
• Elementary: 1 sheet — concept + sketches + model photos
• High School: 1 sheet — concept + diagrams + 3D + project documents
• University: Up to 2 sheets — full concept, site analysis, project documents, and 3D visuals
PARTICIPANT ENTRY FORM
“All participants are required to complete this form and submit their project files to enter the competition.”
Important: If you have registered in the initial form, log-in from this link to upload your information.
