Lunar Settlement Design Contest Offers $100,000 for Innovative Concepts

The Aurelia Institute has launched its second annual Aurelia Prize in Design for Space Urbanism, inviting designers and engineers to submit visionary ideas for lunar settlements. This year's competition offers a grand prize of $100,000 to the individual or team that presents the most innovative concept expanding humanity’s presence on the Moon.

Founder and CEO Ariel Ekblaw announced the contest at an event hosted by the institute, emphasizing the importance of imaginative yet technically sound designs. Last year's inaugural competition saw Will Root win with his Tycho space station design, which was praised for its depth and rigor. This year, the challenge is broader, inviting entries that address how to create lunar settlements that serve various purposes such as living quarters, laboratories, factories, and civic spaces.

The contest guidelines encourage participants to think beyond conventional boundaries, welcoming even science fiction-inspired concepts that might not be immediately feasible but could inspire future technological advancements. Ekblaw noted the moon's potential for architectural innovation and emphasized the need for pragmatic thinking about lunar habitation.

Submissions must include a primary "hero" image showcasing the key components of the design along with up to six additional images or drawings illustrating different aspects of the settlement. Each entry should also feature a 500-word text description detailing how the concept contributes to lunar urbanism, who it serves, and its functionality in a lunar environment.

The judging panel is composed of experts from diverse fields including architecture, design, space exploration, and science fiction literature. Notable members include Norman Foster, Victor Glover, Paola Antonelli, Adrian Tchaikovsky, and Gui Trotti, each bringing unique perspectives to evaluate the entries based on their technical feasibility and visionary potential.

Winners will not only receive financial rewards but also invitations to participate in future events organized by Aurelia Institute. Additionally, the contest offers a rare opportunity for selected winners to engage in zero-gravity parabolic flights, enabling them to test components of their designs under simulated space conditions.

The competition highlights the growing interest and investment in lunar exploration and settlement, reflecting broader trends in space technology and international collaboration aimed at establishing sustainable human presence on celestial bodies. As nations and private companies increasingly focus on off-world habitats, such contests play a crucial role in fostering creativity and innovation to address the challenges of long-term space habitation.

The deadline for submissions is set for early 2027, providing ample time for designers and engineers to develop their concepts and refine their entries. The Aurelia Prize continues to serve as a platform for nurturing groundbreaking ideas that could shape the future of lunar urbanism and space exploration.