MILAN DESIGN DISTRICT: Rethinking an Apartment Concept in the Heart of Isola

Terraviva launches MILAN DESIGN DISTRICT, a new architecture competition representing a unique opportunity to redefine the essence of residential design in Milan.

Prizes up to 12.000 € will be awarded to the winners selected by an international jury panel composed, among others, by Joachim Stumpp (Material Bank), Stefania Carraro (SDA Bocconi), Harrison Stallan (OMA), Tatiana Dimou (Tatiana Dimou Architects) and Giulio Ubini (TUC Studio).

Move beyond conventional renovation and rethink the very essence of residential design in a unique metropolis like Milan. This competition is about rethinking everyday living by transforming an apartment into a masterpiece of contemporary design that embodies Milan’s avant-garde spirit.

Nestled in the heart of Isola District, the flat is situated in a classic "Casa di Ringhiera" - a traditional tenement-style building that symbolises the communal spirit of old Milan.

PRIZES 

• 1^st Prize: 5.000€
• 2^nd Prize: 2.000€
• 3^rd Prize: 1.000€
• Material Bank Best Moodboard Award: 1.000 €
• 10 Golden Mentions: coupon for a free membership
• 10 Honorable Mentions: coupon for a free competition
• 30 Finalists: published on Terraviva channels

All Prizes (9.000€) and Mention Coupons (3.000€) are covered by Material Bank & Terraviva.

GUIDELINES

The competition challenges designers to rethink urban living in Milan, blending tradition with bold, future-forward interiors that prioritise both aesthetics and functionality.

Proposals should create a cohesive apartment for a young professional or couple, embracing flexibility, innovative spatial solutions and a strong design identity.

How can contemporary interiors foster a sense of community while offering personal retreat? How can design bridge tradition and progress? With this challenge, designers are invited to push boundaries, embracing daring creativity to craft a vision for the future of urban living in one of the world’s great design capitals

JURY 

• Joachim Stumpp (Stuttgart, Germany) | Material Bank 
• Stefania Carraro (Milan, Italy) | SDA Bocconi
• Harrison Stallan (Rotterdam, Netherlands) | OMA
• Tatiana Dimou (Patras, Greece) | Tatiana Dimou Architects
• Giulio Ubini (Milan, Italy) | TUC Studio
• Hannes Bäuerle (Stuttgart, Germany) | Material Bank 
• Mark Adamson (Belfast, Northern Ireland) | Formative Architects

Lucia Paci (New York, USA) | Operastudio

SCHEDULE

• Competition Opening: April 7^th
• 59 € “Early” Registrations: April 7^th - June 13span class="Apple-converted-space"> 
• 79 € “Standard” Registrations: June 13^th - August 8^th 
• 109 € “Late” Registrations: August 8^th - September 12^th   
• Submission Deadline: September 12^th    
• Winners Announcement: October 13^th

https://www.terravivacompetitions.com/milan-design-district-competition-2025/