On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the Romanian Order of Architects, together with the University of Bucharest, acting as Contracting Authority and beneficiary of the investment, officially announce the launch of ”The Garden of the University House, Bucharest” International Design Competition.
The competition aims to identify the best proposal for the refunctionalization and activation of the existing annex buildings within the courtyard of the University House, the enhancement and adaptive reuse of the historic greenhouses, and the restoration of the garden, in line with contemporary needs. The winning proposal will form the basis for awarding the design services contract, estimated at €516,031 (excluding VAT), while four additional proposals will receive prizes ranging between €4,000 and €12,000.
Through this initiative, the University of Bucharest and the Romanian Order of Architects seek to transform the ensemble into a multifunctional space dedicated to cultural and educational activities. The approach promotes sustainable urban development and aims to enhance quality of life while strengthening the site’s role within the community.
The evaluation process will be carried out by an international jury composed of renowned architects and specialists, alongside representatives of the University of Bucharest, Rector Prof. Dr. Marian Preda and, as alternate member, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Răzvan Papuc – ensuring alignment with the institution’s strategic vision.
The University House and its garden form an ensemble of significant urban, architectural, and landscape value, located in a central area of Bucharest. Currently, however, the site faces challenges affecting its functionality, accessibility, and integration into urban life, as well as notable risks related to heritage conservation.
In this context, the design competition serves as an essential instrument for identifying a coherent, high-quality intervention capable of restoring the garden’s urban and cultural relevance. The brief calls for an integrated approach addressing the entire garden, its relationship with the surrounding urban fabric, and the adaptive reuse of the annex buildings.
The competition will take place in a single stage and is open to participants from Romania, the European Union, the European Economic Area, and the Swiss Confederation.
Competition calendar:
Site visit: May 16, 2026
Q&A and clarifications: May–June 2026
Project submission deadline: July 17, 2026
Jury evaluation: July 24–27, 2026
The results will be announced on July 28, 2026.
The competition is organized by the Romanian Order of Architects in accordance with the OAR Good Practice Guide for Design Competitions (2018, revised 2025) and the applicable public procurement legislation. The design services contract will be awarded to the competition winner, in compliance with legal provisions.
For further details, participants are invited to consult the official website of the Romanian Order of Architects and its social media channels.
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