The Faculty of Fine Arts in Altea, Alicante, part of Miguel Hernández University, and ADORAS Atelier Arquitectura have announced the launch of the First ADORAS-UMH-SIKA Sculpture Contest. Open to students and alumni of the Faculty, the initiative seeks to encourage emerging talent by inviting participants to create a sculptural piece that will be produced using 3D concrete printing technology. This collaboration offers students a unique opportunity to explore new mediums and techniques, combining art, technology, and architecture.
The winning proposal will not only receive a cash prize and the chance to complete an internship at ADORAS Atelier but will also be integrated into the design of the exclusive residential project, Allonbay Village in Villajoyosa. Allonbay Village is an urban regeneration project located in the bay of Torres Beach, Villajoyosa, and has earned Spain’s first environmental certification in the green urbanism category from the world-renowned BREEAM organization. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the artwork will be incorporated into one of the most iconic landscapes on the Costa Blanca, where the Barranco de Hércules and the Río Torres converge, forming a bay that embraces the Mediterranean and showcases one of the most significant Roman funeral monuments in Spain: the Tower of Hercules, erected in the 2nd century AD.
An Artistic Challenge for Students and Alumni
The First ADORAS-UMH-SIKA Sculpture Contest is open to all currently enrolled students and alumni of the Faculty, including those from the Fine Arts degree, the Master’s in Art Project and Research, and the Master’s in Cultural and Visual Arts Studies (with Feminist and Queer Perspectives). Both individual and group entries are welcomed, with submissions open until April 30th, 2025.
Participants must submit a 3D mockup of their project, which will be evaluated based on originality, adaptability to the space, and feasibility. The technical requirements stipulate that the design must be compatible with 3D concrete printing technology.
From Concept to Reality: Selection Process and Prizes
A jury of experts from ADORAS Atelier Arquitectura, SIKA, and professors from the Faculty of Fine Arts will evaluate the entries. This multidisciplinary panel, with vast experience, ensures a rigorous assessment of each proposal, guaranteeing that the selected work is not only innovative and aesthetically impactful but also technically feasible for 3D printing and seamlessly integrable into the unique environment of Allonbay Village ALBA.
The contest will unfold in four stages:
- Submission of entries: Open from today until April 30th, 2025.
- Pre-selection of three finalists, whose proposals will be printed on a smaller scale thanks to the partnership between ADORAS Atelier Arquitectura and SIKA.
- Final evaluation and event where the jury will announce the winning piece.
- Production and installation of the full-scale sculpture at Allonbay Village.
The winning project will receive a cash prize of €1,000, and the creator will have the opportunity to intern with the visualization and rendering department at ADORAS Atelier Arquitectura. During this internship, they will collaborate on high-profile architectural projects, enhancing their skills in a top-tier professional setting.
A European Collaboration for Innovation and Emerging Talent
The First ADORAS-UMH-SIKA Sculpture Contest reflects the commitment of ADORAS Atelier Arquitectura, based in Alicante, and Swiss company SIKA, to innovation, sustainability, and nurturing young talent. This initiative not only offers students the opportunity to develop their artistic skills in a real-world professional context, but also allows them to experiment with advanced 3D printing technologies, paving the way for new methods of creation and production in the field of sculpture.
Additionally, the integration of 3D printing technology underscores ADORAS Atelier Arquitectura’s dedication to utilizing innovative and sustainable construction techniques. This approach aligns with the sustainability goals that ADORAS has championed since its founding in 2015, solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in responsible and efficient architectural practices.
With over a century of experience in the field, SIKA strengthens its leadership in 3D concrete printing research, which began in 2010. Their comprehensive solution, which includes technology, materials, and automation, opens up new architectural design possibilities, allowing for rapid and cost-effective production of shapes that would be impossible to achieve through traditional methods.
All the information about the contest are available here.
