Overview
Terraviva launches the MILAN DESIGN DISTRICT competition, inviting architects and designers worldwide to reinvent the essence of urban residential living in the vibrant Isola neighborhood of Milan. This international architecture competition encourages participants to reimagine apartment design within a classic Milanese “Casa di Ringhiera” by integrating contemporary sensibilities with the city’s strong design identity.
Submission Deadline: September 12, 2025
Location: Milan, Italy (Isola District)
Top Prize: €5,000
Why You Should Participate
This competition offers a chance to design within one of the world’s most iconic design capitals—Milan. Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Engage in a creative exploration of how architecture and interiors can reflect both tradition and innovation.
- Gain international recognition by being featured on Terraviva’s platforms.
- Compete for a total prize pool of €12,000.
- Be evaluated by an international jury that includes figures from OMA, SDA Bocconi, and Material Bank.
- Showcase your talent in a project that blends cultural heritage with forward-thinking design.
Designers will reimagine urban apartments to suit the lifestyle of a modern professional or couple, proposing flexible, aesthetic, and functional solutions that can define the future of city living.
Key Highlights
- Eligibility: Open to all designers, architects, and students globally. Participants may join individually or in teams.
- Project Site: An apartment in a traditional “Casa di Ringhiera” in the Isola District, a vibrant and historically rich area in Milan.
- Design Focus: Urban apartment for a young professional or couple, emphasizing:
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Connection between tradition and modernity
- Innovation in spatial organization
- Community integration and personal retreat
- Special Focus: The competition includes a Best Moodboard Award for participants from EU, UK, and eligible countries, encouraging expressive and creative visualizations.
Entry Fees
| Registration Phase | Fee |
|---|---|
| Early Registration | €59 |
| Standard Registration | €79 |
| Late Registration | €109 |
Each fee applies per team or individual. Separate submission required for each entry.
Prizes and Recognition
| Award Category | Prize Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | €5,000 |
| 2nd Prize | €2,000 |
| 3rd Prize | €1,000 |
| Material Bank Best Moodboard Award | €1,000 |
| 10 Golden Mentions | Free Membership |
| 10 Honorable Mentions | Free Competition |
| 30 Finalists | Publication on Terraviva Channels |
All prizes and mentions, totaling €12,000 in value, are sponsored by Material Bank & Terraviva.
Submission Details
Participants must submit the following:
- Two A1 Panels (59.4 x 84.1 cm) in landscape orientation, showcasing the design proposal with drawings, renderings, and diagrams.
- A Brief Text (250–500 words) describing the concept, design approach, and innovations.
For the Best Moodboard Award (only for eligible countries):
- Submit 4–6 JPG images + brief descriptive text (see official brief for full details).
All submissions must be uploaded digitally through the competition platform by the deadline.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Competition Launch | April 7, 2025 |
| Early Registration Period | April 7 – June 13, 2025 |
| Standard Registration Period | June 13 – August 8, 2025 |
| Late Registration Period | August 8 – September 12, 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | September 12, 2025 |
| Winners Announcement | October 13, 2025 |
How to Join
- Visit the official Terraviva website or competition platform.
- Choose your registration tier and complete payment.
- Download the full competition brief and templates.
- Develop your design concept and supporting materials.
- Submit your project by September 12, 2025.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated by a distinguished international jury of architects, academics, and designers, including:
- Joachim Stumpp – Material Bank (Germany)
- Stefania Carraro – SDA Bocconi (Italy)
- Harrison Stallan – OMA (Netherlands)
- Tatiana Dimou – Tatiana Dimou Architects (Greece)
- Giulio Ubini – TUC Studio (Italy)
- Hannes Bäuerle – Material Bank (Germany)
- Mark Adamson – Formative Architects (Northern Ireland)
- Lucia Paci – Operastudio (USA)
Evaluation will be based on:
- Design Innovation & Originality
- Spatial Functionality & Flexibility
- Connection to Milanese Identity
- Technical Feasibility
- Visual Presentation & Communication
All shortlisted projects will gain exposure through publication and social media coverage via Terraviva’s channels.
