Candelo, Urban Link - €12,000 - Registration Deadline 13 March 2026
- Mar 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 25
Nestled within the historic charm of a medieval Piedmontese village, a fragmented public square awaits reimagining. Stripped of a clear identity and divided by a steep level change, this neglected space is the focus of the newly announced Candelo Urban Link Architecture Competition.
PRIZE FUND: 12,000 €
1ST PLACE: 7,000 €
2ND PLACE: 2,000 €
3RD PLACE: 1,000 €
5 Golden Mention: Coupon for a Free Membership*
10 Honourable Mentions: Coupon for a Free Competition*
* The total of the mentioned coupons is 2,000 €
DATE:
Closing date for project submission: 13 March 2026 - 14:00 (London Time)
Announcement of the winners: 16 March 2026 - 11:00 (London Time)
PARTICIPANT: Everyone (No professional qualifications required)
COST: N/A
This exciting design challenge invites architects and urban planners to transform a disjointed transit area into a vibrant, accessible, and multifunctional civic landmark. The ultimate goal? To create a welcoming environment that serves both as a daily passageway for schoolchildren and families, and a bustling gathering place for the wider community.
The Core Challenge: Redefining the Connection
At the very heart of the Candelo Urban Link competition is the physical division of the square. Participants are tasked with redesigning the connection between the square's two distinct levels. Designers must look beyond standard utilitarian fixes to either replace the existing staircase or seamlessly integrate it with an innovative ramp system. This new connection should not merely be a means of getting from point A to point B; it must serve as the defining architectural feature of the site, blending accessibility with striking aesthetic appeal.
A Holistic Vision for Public Space
While the ramp system is the anchor of the intervention, the competition demands a comprehensive approach to the entire square. Around this central nexus, participants are encouraged to develop a holistic vision that breathes new life into the public realm. Key design requirements include:
Reorganizing Transit and Parking: Streamlining vehicular flow to prioritize pedestrian safety and experience.
Integrating Greenery: Weaving natural elements and shaded areas into the hardscape to combat urban heat and improve aesthetics.
Activating the Space: Incorporating modern urban furniture, sports facilities, and highly flexible zones that can adapt to different community needs throughout the day.
The Approach: Tactical Urbanism
The Candelo Urban Link competition actively champions the principles of Tactical Urbanism. Rather than relying on massive, disruptive, and heavily funded civic overhauls, the brief calls for smart, agile design.
Participants are encouraged to propose solutions that are:
Lightweight: Utilizing materials and structures that are unobtrusive yet highly effective.
Adaptable: Designing spaces that can evolve alongside the community's changing needs.
Cost-Effective: Maximizing impact while minimizing budget constraints, proving that great design does not have to be prohibitively expensive.
By marrying the rich, historical context of a medieval village with the forward-thinking philosophy of tactical urbanism, the Candelo Urban Link competition offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of community-driven public design.
"The goal is to pair functional improvements with a strong visual identity, turning a neglected corner into a welcoming civic landmark that honours the town’s heritage while embracing a contemporary vision of public space."
