Terraviva launches VILLA GIOIA, a new international architecture competition that invites participants to transform a historic Italian estate near Lake Garda, into a contemporary retirement residence.
Prizes up to 10.000 € will be awarded to the winners, selected by an international jury including Alessandro Sebastiani (SEGRO Italy), Bruna Vendemmia (Unina), Marco Pavoni (Zaha Hadid Architects) and Manuela Rosso (Studio 3Mark), among others.
BRIEF
Villa Gioia challenges architects and designers to reimagine a historic estate located in Bedizzole, a small town near Lake Garda in northern Italy. Once structured as a complex rural residence surrounded by gardens and service buildings, the site today offers a remarkable opportunity for architectural regeneration.
The challenge is to reinterpret the architectural identity of the historic residence while introducing contemporary spatial solutions that enhance accessibility, wellbeing and quality of life. Through sensitive design interventions, participants are invited to imagine how Villa Gioia can become a vibrant place where architecture supports ageing with dignity, autonomy and a strong sense of belonging.
PRIZES
• 1st Prize: 5.000€
• 2nd Prize: 2.000€
• 3rd Prize: 1.000€
• 5 Golden Mentions: coupon for a free membership
• 10 Honorable Mentions: coupon for a free competition
• 30 Finalists: published on Terraviva channels
GUIDELINES
Participants are invited to explore the adaptive reuse of this historic property by transforming it into a contemporary retirement residence. The goal is to design living environments capable of supporting an ageing society, where comfort, care and social interaction become fundamental elements of daily life.
Rather than proposing a conventional retirement facility, the project encourages designers to rethink the relationship between private living spaces, shared environments and outdoor areas. Bedrooms or small apartment units may coexist with communal facilities such as dining areas, cultural spaces, gardens and wellness areas, creating a dynamic residential community.
REQUESTED MATERIAL
One A1 panels (59,4 x 84,1 cm – horizontal) and a brief text describing the proposal (500-1.000 words).
JURY
Alessandro Sebastiani [Milan, Italy] | SEGRO Italy
Bruna Vendemmia [Naples, Italy] | Unina
Marco Pavoni [London, UK] | Zaha Hadid Architects
Manuela Rosso [Cuneo, Italy]| Studio 3Mark
Adrián Beltrán M. [Quito, Ecuador] | Universidad UTE
Joaquin Espasandin [Manchester, UK] | Manchester Metropolitan University
Maria Tîlvescu [Bucharest, Romania] | Ion Mincu University
Antonio Caridi [Turin, Italy] | Fluidiforme
SCHEDULE
• Competition Opening: March 24th
• 69 € “Early” Registrations: March 24th – June 26th
• 99 € “Standard” Registrations: June 26th – September 18th
• 129 € “Late”: September 18th – October 23rd
• Submission Deadline: October 23rd, 2026
• Winners Announcement: November 23rd, 2026
DOWNLOAD FULL BRIEF
REQUIREMENTS & ELIGIBILITY
The competition is open to students, architects, designers, artists, engineers, urban planners, makers and creatives of all kinds. Participants can compete individually or in teams.
More info at: www.terravivacompetitions.com
Contact: info@terravivacompetitions.com
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