Social venture ‘Shift’ launches architecture competition for a New World Wonder to spark climate action

Throughout history, humans have created landmarks — from pyramids to cathedrals to skyscrapers — to unite communities, showcase progress, and spark inspiration. Now, Shift, a new social venture founded by Dutch entrepreneur Don Ritzen, aims to construct a landmark specifically designed to inspire climate action and which looks to attract over 1 million annual visitors. To turn this ambitious vision into reality, Shift is launching an international architecture competition on January 15, 2025 with a total prize pool of €250,000. 

Supported by a network of Dutch strategic partners and impact financiers, the first Shift landmark will be in the Netherlands, where 55% of the land is at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels and river flooding. The ambition is to build landmarks across the globe.

From architects and activists to scientists and entrepreneurs, Shift envisions a dynamic space where stories of passionate climate and sustainability pioneers converge, aiming to inspire its visitors on a large scale.“While 75% of Europeans are concerned about climate change, only 10% are taking meaningful action,” Ritzen points out. “We want to create a space of wonder, hope and possibility that inspires everyone to take action.”

In their brief to architects, Shift emphasizes that the landmark should envision the next level of sustainable architecture. Within this new space, a permanent program curated by Shift will encourage and nurture sustainable behaviors. Using immersive experiences, it will highlight the authentic stories of climate and sustainability champions.

The first phase of the competition is open to architects worldwide. After the first phase, five architectural firms will be selected for the second phase where they will develop their concept in more detail. The five finalists will receive €40,000 each and the winning concept will receive an additional €50,000.

Two of the five finalist spots will be firms Shift has approached directly - one globally renowned architecture firm and one innovative smaller firm. This way, Shift wants to signal the range and caliber of desired talent to its key stakeholders. 

The remaining three spots will be chosen from an open international competition overseen by DVDL, a New York-based agency of cultural planners and competition advisors, and a jury drawn from the fields of architecture, impact investing, biodiversity, academia, real estate and the cultural sector: Aric Chen (Nieuwe Instituut), Astrid Leyssens (We Are Impact Collective), Ben van Berkel (UNStudio), Clemens Brenninkmeijer (Redevco), Géke Roelink (Nemo), Dr. Lewis Akenji (Hot or Cool institute), Lodewijk Hoekstra (NL Greenlabel), Mireia Luzárraga (TAKK), and Nicole Maarsen (Social Value foundation).

Once shortlisted, the five finalists will extend their team with behaviour, sustainability and other experts to create an immersive and inspiring climate change experience.

The competition has light submission requirements and maximum freedom for creativity of participating teams. Furthermore, the intellectual property of the non-selected teams remain with the architects. With the competition, Shift’s founder Ritzen hopes to bring inspiration and innovation to the architecture, engineering and construction field.

At his previous company Rockstart, Ritzen invested in over 250 startups with bright commercial and sustainable ideas with the aim to scale globally. In addition to the landmark, Shift will also unveil a digital platform designed to inspire people every day through engaging storytelling, initiatives and practical tips for embracing sustainable change.

"While innovation and public policy are vital components in the climate transition, there is also huge potential for impact through individuals taking responsibility for their own choices. I've always been fascinated about how to create the ideal environment for people to get outside their comfort zone and learn and discover new things, because that's where the magic happens. Unfortunately, when you look at the global climate crisis, the majority of people are still silent, feel paralysed or are still in 'talk mode'. We urgently need more action. Shift invites people to embark on this journey of discovery, from a starting point of positivity and wonder," Ritzen explains.

Aric Chen, member of the Jury: “At the Nieuwe Instituut, we have initiated the Zoöp organisational model to make the interests of nonhuman life part of organisational decision making and increase society’s focus on ecological regeneration. I believe Shift has a complimentary and bold ambition to become a new destination for climate action, something that is direly needed. I am excited to see how architects will respond to Shift’s innovative briefing to architects and the outcome of the competition.” 

Ben van Berkel, member of the Jury: “UNStudio’s mission is to design for lasting impact and little impact on the planet, a goal close to my heart is to contribute to the societal challenge of climate change. So when Shift asked me to use that knowledge to help them judge designs for a “new world wonder” for climate action, I was intrigued and eager to share my experience to help realise their important vision.”