This year, young creators between the age of 18 and 35 were one again eligible to participate in the DECODE competition. Applicants were requested to introduce their creative concepts through their own projects in a media file of up to three minutes. A total of 47 submissions were received: 20 in the Architecture Category and 27 in the Visual and Applied Arts Category. From these, a professional jury selected 17 works for inclusion in the exhibition. Among the shortlisted projects, the judging committee awarded one Main Prize and two Promising Project Prize in each category as well as one Spotlight Sponsor Prize. The total prize pool for both categories amounted to a net sum of 2,100,000 HUF.
The exhibition showcasing the submitted works was open to visitors from April 19 to 25 at the aqb Project Space contemporary art centre. In the rustic atmosphere of the former Haggenmacher Brewery, the exhibited projects were displayed on huge LED walls, accompanied by physical artworks related to the short films.
Following the exhibition, the awarded and shortlisted works were added to the DECODE Youtube channel’s digital film archive, making them accessible to all and serving as inspiration for future creators.
We are honoured that this year’s event was supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands. Thank to this collaboration, the winners of the architectural prize will have the opportunity to attend a five-day study trip to the Netherlands, including a visit to the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam. We also are grateful to Be Light!, which has been our sponsor for many years. This year they presented each member of the winner team of the Spotlight Sponsor Prize with a design light fixture. This prize recognizes creative projects that serve and promote society. We would also like to thank our sponsors: Alukönigstahl Kft., Sauska & Társa Kft., Szinorg Universal Zrt., and the media partner of the event: Octogon Architecture & Design magazine.