Awards submission process and criteria
Submission process
Who should enter?
The awards are open to international organisations and project teams across the public, private and academic sectors. This includes those involved in research, commissioning, planning, design, investment and development within the urban built environment. Eligible entries may relate to a wide range of asset types, including residential, commercial, mixed-use and social infrastructure projects.
Eligibility
Entries are invited for built projects, conceptual proposals and research programmes completed between 1 January 2023 and 1 October 2026. Projects may be submitted to more than one category, provided each entry is clearly tailored to the specific criteria of that category. However, the same project may not be re-entered into the same category in subsequent years.
Evaluation committee
The awards are judged by an international panel of experts drawn from across the health, planning, design and built environment sectors. Each category is led by a chair and supported by two additional judges with relevant expertise. This structured evaluation process ensures a robust, balanced and transparent approach to decision-making. Any judge with a conflict of interest in relation to an entry will withdraw from that part of the adjudication process.
Judging process and criteria
Phase 1: Initial review
Judges independently assess all submissions remotely. Each entry must include a written submission statement and a 15-slide presentation (PowerPoint or PDF) of images and plans. Submissions are evaluated against defined criteria, after which the judging panel convenes to agree a shortlist.
Phase 2: Final presentations
Shortlisted entrants will be invited to present their projects live via webinar to the judging panel. Following these presentations, judges will determine the winners and any commendations ahead of the awards ceremony.
Winners will be announced at the Healthy City Design Awards Ceremony and Dinner at Manchester United Stadium on 20 October 2026.
How to submit
To submit click here, elect your chosen category or categories and follow the steps below:
Step 1: Complete the online entry form and submit a 1,500-word statement addressing the category criteria.
Step 2: Upload supporting materials, including:
- A 15-slide PowerPoint or PDF presentation
- Up to 10 images and 5 plans (high-resolution JPEG format)
- An optional video link (YouTube or Vimeo)
Step 3: Complete payment to finalise your submission.
Important notes: All submissions must clearly and explicitly address the criteria outlined in the submission forms. Entrants are advised to consult the full Rules of Entry for detailed guidance on eligibility, payment and submission requirements.
Rules of entry
Please read the rules carefully. Failure to comply may lead to rejection
1. Submission requirements: All entries must address the criteria for the selected award category and be submitted via the online entry system by the stated deadline. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Each submission must include:
i) Entry form: A completed online entry form with project details and contact information for key team members and the primary contact.
ii) Submission statement: A submission statement for each category entered, clearly addressing the judging criteria. The total word count must not exceed 1,500 words.
iii) Visual materials:
> A 15-slide PowerPoint or PDF presentation
> Up to 10 images and 5 plans/drawings, included in the presentation and submitted separately as high-resolution JPEG files (minimum 300 dpi)
Visuals should clearly communicate key project features and may include brief captions in slides only. High-resolution images must not contain embedded text.
iv) Entry fee: The standard fee is £150 + VAT per entry, payable online. The Design Research for Healthy Cities category is free to enter.
v) Authorisation: Entries must have consent from the client, commissioning authority or relevant stakeholder.
vi) Eligible project types: Entries may include built projects, phased developments or concept designs for real projects. Concept proposals must be sufficiently developed for clear evaluation.
2. Additional information: Judges may request further information or clarification for shortlisted entries. Entrants must provide reasonable access to support this process.
3. Compliance: The organisers reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not comply with these rules or contain misleading or incomplete information.
4. Intellectual property and publication: Entrants must have permission to use all submitted materials and grant the organisers the right to use content for awards-related promotion, unless otherwise stated. Confidential material must be clearly identified.
5. Judging: All judging decisions are final. The judging process is independent and impartial, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding outcomes.
Submission Statement Criteria
Prior to preparing your online submission, please see below the specific criteria you will be required to respond to when entering. Please be sure that you prepare your submission against the correct criteria for the award category you are entering.
Awards criteria for categories:
> Healthy city design and planning
> Healthy homes and neighbourhoods
> Sustainable infrastructure and green mobility
> Community impact and social value
> Smart cities and digital health
> Population and neighbourhood health
> Healthy working environments
Project overview and strategic vision
Provide a clear and concise overview of the project, including its purpose, objectives and strategic vision. Summarise the key elements of the brief and explain the design and/or planning approach adopted, including how the proposal responds to identified challenges and opportunities. (250 words)
Context and need
Describe the local context that informed the project, including relevant social, economic, environmental and health conditions. This may include urban characteristics, demographics and existing health and wellbeing challenges. Explain how these factors shaped the project’s priorities, design response and intended outcomes. (250 words)
Innovation and contribution to health, equity and wellbeing
Demonstrate how the project delivers innovative approaches to improving health and wellbeing. This should include how the design addresses the wider determinants of health, reduces inequalities and promotes inclusive outcomes. Provide evidence of how these innovations were implemented and their added value. (250 words)
Sustainability and resilience
Provide evidence of how the project contributes to sustainable development, including environmental, social and economic sustainability. This may include resource efficiency, climate resilience, adaptability, and long-term viability. Submissions should demonstrate alignment with principles of planetary health and responsible resource use. (250 words)
Deliverability, scalability and transferability
Demonstrate how the project has been delivered, or how it can be realistically implemented. Highlight key aspects of its scalability and potential for replication in other contexts. This may include design approaches, delivery models, partnerships, materials, technologies or policy frameworks that enable wider adoption. (250 words)
Stakeholder engagement and co-production
Provide evidence of meaningful engagement with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. This may include communities, public and private sector partners, government bodies and other relevant organisations. Demonstrate how co-design and collaborative processes have influenced outcomes and contributed to the project’s success. (250 words)
You are allowed 1500 words in total for the submission.
Awards criteria for categories:
> Design research for healthy cities
To enter this category, you are required to submit the written paper using the online form. There is no requirement for this category to complete one of the criteria-based submission forms.
To be eligible, you are required to submit your full paper, including references in PDF format.
Recommended word count is maximum 5000 words.
