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 one 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 EUR.
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. 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 percent of Europeans are concerned about climate change, only 10 percent are taking meaningful action," Ritzen points out. "We want to create a space of wonder, hope, and possibility that inspires everyone to take action." 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 ambition is to build landmarks across the globe.
