Design The World You Want | Student Ideas Competition

World Landscape Architecture is proud to announce the DESIGN THE WORLD YOU WANT International Student Ideas Competition, inviting students from around the globe to reimagine Melbourne’s iconic Victoria Harbour.

Tasked with transforming a significant waterfront on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation (Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) and Boonwurrung people), students must explore restorative biodiversity design and circularity to transition from linear, extractive models to bio-design futures that rebalance human-nature relations.

Dates
Competition Opens: February 23, 2026

Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026, 11:59 pm Melbourne, Australia time
Shortlisted Announced: May 4, 2026
Winners Announced: May 15 at the opening night of the exhibit at RMIT, Melbourne, Australia as part of Melbourne Design Week

Entry Fee: $20AUD per entry ($20AUD is $USD15, €12, £11, 100CNY, 440THB)

Awards
Winner – $1000AUD, Runner up – $500AUD
Shortlisted (Finalist) Entry – Digital Certificate

Find out more about the Design The World You Want Student Ideas Competition at https://worldlandscapearchitec...

Competition Organiser: World Landscape Architecture
Venue Supporter: RMIT University
Competition Supporters: Arcadia Landscape Architecture, Hassell, Hansen Partnership.

The competition site is the Harbour Esplanade and Victoria Harbour, from New Quay Promenade in the north to Harbour Lights Landing in the south. It also includes Yanonung Quay (named in 2022), associated jetties and Dockland Piers and the water area of the recently demolished Central Pier.

The competition site is on the traditional lands and waterways of the Kulin Nation, specifically the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) and Boonwurrung people. This Melbourne city area is overlapping the boundary of the territories of both these Traditional Owners groups.