Terraviva launches THE STUDENTS APARTMENT, a new international architecture competition that invites participants to transform an apartment in the historic centre of Pavia into a contemporary living space tailored to university life.
Prizes up to 8.000 € will be awarded to the winners, selected by an international jury including Matías Román Basualto (Román y Basualto Arquitectos), Derya Akdeniz Durmaz (Two Dots Design), Valeryia Haletskaya (Heather Young Architects) and Luan Fontes (SOM), among others.
BRIEF
The Students Apartment challenges architects and designers to completely rethink a traditional two-bedroom apartment located in the heart of Pavia, one of Italy’s most prestigious university cities. Situated on the sixth floor of a residential building in the historic centre, the unit offers panoramic views and a strategic position.
The competition invites participants to transform this long-unused apartment into a contemporary home conceived specifically for two or three students. The goal is to redesign the internal layout and create an innovative design proposal capable of balancing flexibility, comfort, privacy and social interaction.
PRIZES
• 1st Prize: 3.000€
• 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
Designers will be encouraged to reflect on how undergraduates live today and how domestic spaces can support increasingly hybrid routines composed of studying, resting, gathering and sharing everyday experiences. Furniture systems, multifunctional solutions, adaptable spaces and storage strategies will play a crucial role throughout the project.
The challenge goes beyond a simple renovation: it is an opportunity to imagine a new model of student living capable of transforming an overlooked apartment into an inspiring and functional domestic environment for a new generation.
REQUESTED MATERIAL
One A1 panels (59,4 x 84,1 cm – horizontal) and a brief text describing the proposal (250-500 words).
JURY
Matías Román Basualto [Santiago, Chile] | Román y Basualto Arquitectos
Derya Akdeniz Durmaz [Istanbul, Turkey] | Two Dots Design
Pietro Antonioni [Milan/Rimini, Italy] | Pietro Antonioni Architetto
Valeryia Haletskaya [New York, USA] | Heather Young Architects
Adolfo Schlieper [Rosario/Santa Fe, Argentina] | Adolfo Schlieper Arquitectos
Daria Yang Du [Los Angeles, USA] | RIOS
Luan Fontes [New York, USA] | SOM
Kiranraj SIva Kumar [Chicago, USA] | Nathan Michael Design
SCHEDULE
• Competition Opening: May 20th, 2026
• 69 € “Early” Registrations: May 20th – September 4th
• 99 € “Standard” Registrations: September 4th – October 16th
• 139 € “Late”: October 16th – November 6th
• Submission Deadline: November 6th, 2026
• Winners Announcement: December 9th, 2026
DOWNLOAD FULL BRIEF
https://www.terravivacompetitions.com/the-students-apartment-2026/
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
Instagram: @terravivacompetitions
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