University of Bucharest and the Romanian Order of Architects launch the International Design Competition for the Garden of the University House

On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the Romanian Order of Architects (OAR), together with the University of Bucharest (UB), acting as Contracting Authority and beneficiary of the investment, officially announced the launch of the International Design Competition “The Garden of the University House, Bucharest”.

The purpose of the competition is to select the best proposal for the refunctionalization and activation of the existing auxiliary buildings in the courtyard of the University House, the enhancement and adaptive reuse of the old greenhouses, and the restoration of the garden of the University House, in line with contemporary needs and uses. The winning project will form the basis for awarding the design services contract, estimated at EUR 516,031 excluding VAT, while four additional projects will receive prizes ranging from EUR 4,000 to EUR 12,000.

Through this initiative, the University of Bucharest and the Romanian Order of Architects aim to transform the ensemble into a multifunctional space dedicated to cultural and educational activities, through an approach focused on sustainable urban development, actively contributing to improving the quality of urban life and strengthening its role within the community.

The evaluation process will be carried out by an international jury composed of renowned architects and specialists in the field, together with representatives of the University of Bucharest –  Prof. Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of UB, and, as deputy member, Prof. Răzvan Papuc, PhD, Vice-Rector for Infrastructure, Administration and Heritage, ensuring an assessment aligned with the university’s institutional vision.

The University House and its garden represent an ensemble of remarkable urban, architectural, and landscape value, located in a central area of Bucharest. Currently, the site faces issues affecting its functionality, accessibility, and integration into city life, while also confronting significant risks regarding heritage conservation.

In this context, the design competition represents an essential instrument for identifying a coherent and high-quality intervention capable of restoring the urban and cultural relevance of the Garden of the University House and its annex buildings. The brief proposes an integrated approach targeting the entire garden, its relationship with the surrounding neighborhoods, and the refunctionalization 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. The competition schedule includes:

site visit – May 16, 2026;

successive deadlines for questions and clarifications – throughout May and June;

project submission deadline – July 17, 2026;

jury assessment – July 24–27, 2026.

The results will be announced on July 28, 2026.

The International Design Competition “The Garden of the University House, Bucharest” is organized by the Romanian Order of Architects (OAR), in accordance with the OAR Good Practices Guide for Design Competitions (2018, rev. 2025) and the legislation in force regarding public procurement. The design services contract will be awarded to the winner of the competition, in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.

More information about the competition is available on the official website and social media channels of the Romanian Order of Architects.