The American Institute of Architects New Jersey Chapter (AIA-NJ) 2026 K-12 Design Challenge Committee Chair Ronald Weston, AIA, has announced the results of the 2026 Dream Stadium & Sports Architecture K-12 Design Challenge
As part of AIA-NJ’s Architecture Week 2026, we celebrated the FIFA World Cup 26 soccer competition coming to New Jersey this summer with a stadium design challenge! This opportunity was recognized with an AIA National grant by the AIA ArchWeek Grant Committee with support from The College of Fellows and The Committee on Architecture for Education Knowledge Community.
New Jersey K-12 students were invited to submit one image of a stadium or sports architecture design. It could be a photo or scan of a hand drawing, or a computer-drawn or computer-modeled image, or a photo of a model (anything from a 3d printed model to building one from household items). All work was required to be original. No AI or online images permitted. Entries were judged in three categories based on grade- Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. First place winners in each category will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card.
The jury consisted of the chair along with AIA New Jersey President Jessica O’Donnell, FAIA, AIA New Jersey Vice President Chris Brand, AIA, and AIA Public Awareness Consultant Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA.
Our 2026 K-12 Design Challenge Winners are:
Elementary School – Digital Award: Wesley S. of Raritan Valley Montessori Academy
This is a modern luxury stadium with many impressive features such as a live cherry tree in the front foyer, a fountain out front (it’s not in the photo but I did build it) and a running track as well as the main soccer field.
Elementary School – Analog Award: Madhuran N. of Martin Luther King Eementary School
The FIFA stadium has capacity of 100,000 spectators with health screening having Infra red thermal AI health scan which can detect fever ad also intelligent scan with visible symptoms. Also it has 360 degree ultra HD screen halo suspension that all spectators can see. Its kids friendly with AI robot assistance.
Elementary School – Model Award: Jace B. from Good Shepherd Academy
My dream stadium is made of Legos, and I got my idea from watching youtube videos of soccer stadiums. My stadium has lots of seats for people to watch and special boxes where people can pay more to see the game. There is also a small practice field attached to the stadium for players and cozy place for players and fans to relax underneath with a seat and water fountian for players to drink.
Middle School – Award: Aarav G. of Warren Middle School
This is my dream stadium; its a large stadium, inspired by modern buildings, with a roof to protect from weather, a large 360° jumbotron screen so all fans can see the game, and 3 seating sections so lots of people can fit in the stadium.
High School – Digital Award: Jahmeer J. of Piscataway Magnet School
This stadium takes inspiration from the Möbius strip, featuring a continuous, one-sided surface that seamlessly loops through the entire structure. This innovative design allows seating and pathways to flow without interruption, creating a cohesive and futuristic architectural experience.
High School – Analog Award: Arianna G. from High Tech High School of Hudson County Schools of Technology
My (design) is a massive, aerodynamic stadium featuring a fluid, wave-like roof structure and tiered seating that overlooks a central arena. Designed for both scale and movement, the open-air concept blends sleek architectural curves with a grand “entry” plaza, creating a space where the energy of a crowd meets the comforts of modern design.
High School – Model Award: Jenny X. from the Bergen Couty Academies
My stadium design is inspired by the flow of air currents in nature as it aims to embody the essence of athletic sports at its core — movement. The ceiling mesh filters microscopic matter and regulates airflow, while the walls control direct solar rays. This minimizes the dependence on active mechanical systems for thermal comfort and air quality reducing energy usage. With my design model, I wished to create a feeling of the ebbs and flows of the sports spectacle, alluding to the lyrical drama of the classical colosseum of ancient times that brings a grand sense of excitement to athletes and fans alike.