Strong Response to the University of Bucharest’s Community Involvement Initiative: 36 Entries Submitted to the International Design Competition for the Redevelopment of the University House Garden

A total of 36 projects from Romania and abroad have been submitted to the International Design Competition for the Redevelopment of the University House Garden, organized by the University of Bucharest in partnership with the Romanian Order of Architects (OAR). The impressive number of submissions marks an outstanding success for this community engagement initiative. The winning proposal will be announced on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, at 1:00 p.m., during an event held at the University House (46 Dionisie Lupu Street, Sector 1, Bucharest). The winner will be awarded the design services contract, with an estimated value of more than RON 2.6 million (excluding VAT).

Launched on 30 April 2026, the competition aims to revitalize and transform a site of significant historical and cultural value for both the University of Bucharest and the city itself. The project focuses on the adaptive reuse of the existing auxiliary buildings within the University House grounds, the restoration and repurposing of the historic greenhouses, and the rehabilitation of the garden in line with contemporary needs.

Participants were invited to envision a comprehensive transformation of the University House Garden and its ancillary buildings into a multifunctional space dedicated to cultural and educational activities. The competition called for a holistic approach that considers the site as a whole, its relationship with the surrounding urban fabric, and the existing architectural heritage. Through the proposed solutions, the University House Garden has the potential to become a model of responsible urban regeneration – one that both celebrates its heritage and responds to the evolving needs of the community.

Between 24 and 27 July 2026, the submitted projects are being evaluated by an international jury composed of leading experts in architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture. The jury includes Imke van Hellemondt (landscape architect, Netherlands), Francesca Torzo (architect, Italy), Giuseppe La Mastra (landscape architect, Italy), Toader Popescu (architect and urban planner, Romania), Kázmér Kovács (architect, Romania), Sorin Istudor (architect, Romania), Ștefania Tîrcă (architect, Romania), Bogdan Guiu (architect, Romania), Professor Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest, and Professor Răzvan Mihail Papuc, PhD, Vice-Rector for Infrastructure, Administration, and Heritage.

“The fact that 36 competitors responded to our invitation to imagine the future of the University House Garden confirms both the professional interest generated by this project and its importance for the University of Bucharest. Our goal is to restore this space to its rightful place in the academic and cultural life of the city and transform it into an open, welcoming environment where heritage is preserved while engaging with contemporary uses. We look forward to the jury’s decision and to the winning proposal that will shape the future of this emblematic space for the University of Bucharest,” said Professor Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest.

The University of Bucharest is the contracting authority for the competition and will become the beneficiary of the project resulting from the winning proposal. The competition is organized in partnership with the Romanian Order of Architects and has been conducted as a single-stage, open international competition, welcoming entries from Romania, the member states of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and the Swiss Confederation.

Further information about the competition is available on the websites of both the University of Bucharest and the Romanian Order of Architects.