Tactical Urbanism NOW!

TerraViva launches the 5th edition of TACTICAL URBANISM NOW! This architecture competition challenges participants to design short-term, cost-effective interventions able to act as catalysts for larger transformations.

Prizes up to 10.000 € will be awarded to the winners selected by an international jury panel composed, among others, by Leonardo Zuccaro (PoliMi + COpE), Rowan Elselmy (DEOND), Alan Gancberg (Crucial Urbanismo) and Wei Dou (SWA Group).

BRIEF

The annual Tactical Urbanism NOW! competition is set to encourage creative and forward-thinking designers to propose new original spaces fostering long-term and sustainable changes. For its 5th edition, the competition invites participants to embrace a “hyperlocal yet scalable” mindset.

The challenges of the 21st century demand new models of urban living, driven by evolving environmental concerns, shifting social dynamics and technological innovation. In recent years, cities have become laboratories for bold experimentation, rethinking how public spaces can respond to the complexities of contemporary life.

Tactical Urbanism NOW! calls on architects, planners, designers and creatives from all disciplines to propose projects that redefine the role of public spaces in a dynamic and interconnected world.

PRIZES & MENTIONS

• 1st Prize: 5.000€
• 2nd Prize: 2.000€
• 3rd Prize: 1.000€
• 4 Golden Mentions: 500€ each
• 10 Honorable Mentions: coupon for a free competition
• 30 Finalists: published on TerraViva channels

GUIDELINES

The competition seeks projects that not only solve functional issues but also spark community engagement, resilience, and sustainability. Whether transforming an empty lot into a dynamic neighborhood gathering spot or reinventing an underpass as a thriving public space, the goal is to demonstrate how small, thoughtful changes can leave a lasting impact on the urban fabric.

As always, this competition allows participants to choose any location worldwide for their intervention. The key lies in demonstrating how your chosen site can become a catalyst for transformation. The idea is to discover opportunities in areas that might otherwise be overlooked, leveraging simple, tactical changes to breathe new life into them.

While the possibilities are endless, contestants are asked to explain the reasoning behind their concept. These small-scale projects, like acupuncture points, channel energy into the urban fabric, igniting systemic improvements that resonate far beyond their immediate footprint.

REQUESTED MATERIAL

Two A1 panels (59,4 x 84,1 cm) landscape oriented + a brief text describing the proposal (250-500 words);

JURY

• Leonardo Zuccaro (Milan, Italy) | PoliMi + COpE
• Wei Dou (New York, United States) | SWA Group
• Vincent Rault (Lisbon, Portugal) | Muro Atelier
• Rowan Elselmy (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) |DEOND
• Alan Gancberg (Buenos Aires, Argentina) | Crucial Urbanismo
• Teresa Pontini (Milan, Italy) | Urban Consultant
• Pablo Castillo Luna (Las Palmas, Spain)| À la Sauvette
• Yiqing Wu (New York, United States) | Field Operations

SCHEDULE

• Competition Opening: December 2nd 2024
• 79 € “Early” Registrations: December 2nd – June 6th
• 99 € “Standard” Registrations: June 6th – September 19th
• 129 € “Late” Registrations: September 19th – October 31st
• Submission Deadline: October 31st (3:00 pm CET)
• Winners Announcement: December 1st 2025

Download full brief here: https://www.terravivacompetitions.com/tactical-urbanism-competition-2025/

REQUIREMENTS & ELIGIBILITY

The competition is open to architects, landscape designers, interior designers, students, enthusiasts, engineers, artists, makers and anyone interested in the fields of architecture and design. Participants can join the competition either individually or with a team.

Competition Details