International Design Competition: Urban Regeneration of the Central Area of Tulcea, Romania

The Romanian Order of Architects (OAR), Tulcea Belediyesi iş birliğiyle düzenlenen "International Design Competition: Urban Regeneration of the Central Area of Tulcea, Romania" yarışması kapsamında; Tulcea kent merkezi, yeniden tasarlanacak. Yarışma için son başvuru tarihi ise 18 Temmuz 2025.

Romanian Order of Architects (OAR) & Municipality of Tulcea

The Romanian Order of Architects (OAR), with the support of its Dobrogea Territorial Branch, and in partnership with the Municipality of Tulcea, is pleased to announce the launch of the International Design Competition for the Urban Regeneration of the Central Area of Tulcea.

This single-stage, open, international competition invites submissions from architects and designers across Romania, the European Union, the European Economic Area, and the Swiss Confederation. The objective is to select the most innovative and context-sensitive proposal for the redevelopment of Mircea cel Bătrân Square, Unirii Street, and the Trei Fântâni (Three Fountains) Area in central Tulcea.

About the Site

Located at the heart of Tulcea, Mircea cel Bătrân Square is the city’s social and administrative core and is historically and spatially linked to the Danube waterfront. The competition seeks high-quality, contemporary design proposals that respect the existing architectural and cultural heritage while revitalizing public space and enhancing pedestrian connections between the city center, the Danube embankment (“Ivan Patzaichin”), and the surrounding historical neighborhoods.

Proposals should integrate a broad range of urban functions—residential, civic, commercial, cultural, and recreational—into a coherent and sustainable urban platform that responds to the challenges of climate, social, and economic change. Enhancing walkability, introducing green infrastructure, and ensuring long-term resource efficiency are central to the competition’s vision.

Competition Format and Legal Framework

This design competition is organized according to the OAR Good Practices Guide for Design Competitions (2022 edition) and complies with Romanian public procurement law (Law no. 98/2016). The competition is an independent procedure. Following the selection process, the winner will be awarded the design services contract through a negotiated procedure without prior publication.

Awards

1st Prize: Design services contract valued at 1,944,355 RON (approx. EUR 390,940, excluding VAT)

2nd Prize: 99,470 RON (approx. EUR 20,000, excluding VAT)

3rd Prize: 49,735 RON (approx. EUR 10,000, excluding VAT)

1st Mention (4th place): 12,434 RON (approx. EUR 2,500, excluding VAT)

2nd Mention (5th place): 12,434 RON (approx. EUR 2,500, excluding VAT)

Jury Members

• Arch. Andreea Catrinel Matache (Chief Architect, Competition Authority representative)
• Arch. Ana Maria Zahariade
• Arch. Laura Cristea
• Arch. Urb. Irina Popescu-Criveanu
• Arch. Gustavo Figueira Serrano
• Landscape Architect Jörg Michel
• Landscape Architect Barnabás Ede Szakács

Deputy Members: Arch. Alexandru Axinte, Eng. Simion Tănase

Competition Timeline

Site Visit Registrations: 28 May 2025

Site Visit: 31 May 2025

Submission Deadline: 18 July 2025, 16:00

Jury Deliberation: 25–28 July 2025

Winner Announcement: 29 July 2025

Online Exhibition of Entries: 29 July – 5 August 2025

Contract Negotiation & Signing: No later than 75 days after the jury results are announced

Estimated Duration of Design Services Contract: 60 months

For full details on the brief, eligibility, and submission process, visit their website.