Candelo Urban Link , Candelo / Italien

 

TerraViva launches CANDELO URBAN LINK, a new international competition that challenges participants to transform an overlooked square in the heart of a Piedmontese village into an inclusive, vibrant public space, reconnecting its split levels and reimagining its role as a civic landmark.

 

Prizes up to 12.000 € will be awarded to the winners selected by an international jury panel composed, among others, by Barbara Acquadro Maran (Comune di Candelo), Stefano Recalcati (Arup), Lucia Paci (Operastudio) and Toufic Rifai (Lombardini 22).

 

Nestled in a medieval Piedmontese village lies a square fragmented by a steep level change and stripped of a clear identity. This competition invites designers to envision its transformation into an accessible, multifunctional space - one that serves as both a daily passageway for schoolchildren and families and a vibrant gathering place for the wider community.

 

At the heart of the challenge is the redesign of the connection between the square’s two levels, replacing or integrating the existing staircase with a ramp system that becomes a defining feature of the site.

 

Around this central intervention, participants are encouraged to develop a holistic vision for the entire space: reorganising parking, weaving in greenery and shaded areas, adding urban furniture, sports facilities and flexible zones.

 

• 1st Prize: 7.000€

• 2nd Prize: 2.000€

• 3rd Prize: 1.000€

• 5 Golden Mentions: coupon for a free membership

• 10 Honorable Mentions: coupon for a free competition

• 30 Finalists: published on Terraviva channels

 

Candelo Urban Link embraces the principles of Tactical Urbanism - promoting lightweight, adaptable and cost-effective solutions capable of delivering a lasting impact. 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.

 

The square should no longer be perceived or experienced as a mere passage, but as a welcoming outdoor living room: a place to meet, rest, play and interact.

 

Two A1 panels (59,4 x 84,1 cm - horizontal) and a brief text describing the proposal (250-500 words).

 

Barbara Acquadro Maran (Candelo, Italy) | Comune di Candelo

Stefano Recalcati (Milan, Italy) | Arup

Alice Trematerra (Florence, Italy) | Didacommunicationlab

Ángel Cerezo Cerezo (Barcelona, Spain) | Cream Estudio

Emanuele Barili (Prato, Italy) | ECÒL

Lucia Paci (New York, USA) | Operastudio

Toufic Rifai (Beirut, Lebanon) | Lombardini 22

Lucía V. Bocchimuzzi (Buenos Aires, Argentina) | Mic-Hub

 

• Competition Opening: September 9th

• 89 € “Early” Registrations: September 9th - November 21st

• 109 € “Standard” Registrations: November 21st - January 16th, 2026

• 139 € “Late” Registrations: January 16th - February 13th, 2026

• Submission Deadline: February 13th, 2026

• Winners Announcement: March 16th, 2026

 

 

The competition is open to students, architects, designers, artists, engineers, urban planners, makers and creatives of all kinds. Participants can compete individually or in teams.

 

 

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