Mediterranean cities have a multi-layered structure. Socio-cultural, physical, economic, political and technological dynamics are constantly evolving, and cities serve as the primary arenas where these changes manifest. Cities can be understood as composed of multiple contextual layers, which shape their original forms through processes of overlapping, juxtaposition and, at times, intricate interweaving. The interaction of these dynamics rapidly transforms not only the urban fabric but also daily life, giving rise to new urban spaces and novel spatial practices.

As some of the regions most affected by climate change, cities along the Mediterranean must be planned and designed to confront sea-level rise, droughts, water scarcity, overheating, and urban heat-island effects. At the same time, while respecting their unique cultural and morphological characteristics, these cities require creative, innovative and tailored solutions to adapt both their built environment and urban heritage to the challenges posed by climate change and disasters.

The UfM Urban Design student competition seeks to highlight new Urban design solutions to a wide range of climate-related challenges. Participation is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in relevant schools or departments across the 43 UfM Member States. Eligible proposals, must be situated in a UfM Member State along the Mediterranean.

As part of the Day of the Mediterranean 2025 celebrations (28 November), the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is hosting the second edition of its biennial Urban Design student competition, titled ‘Urban Solutions to Climate Change in the Mediterranean’.

Participation is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in relevant Schools or Departments across the 43 UfM Member States. Eligible proposals, however, must be situated in a UfM Member State along the Mediterranean (see details below).

Urban Design solutions for all kinds of climatic challenges that embrace resilience as a foundation, enable transition as a process and foster transformation as an outcome, constitute the main subject of the competition – taking into account the following:

Mediterranean cities have a multi-layered structure. Socio-cultural, physical, economic, political, and technological dynamics are constantly evolving, and cities serve as the primary arenas where these changes manifest. Cities can be understood as composed of multiple contextual layers, which shape their original forms through processes of overlapping, juxtaposition, and sometimes intricate interweaving. The interaction of these dynamics rapidly transforms not only the urban fabric but also daily life, giving rise to new urban spaces and novel spatial practices.

As some of the regions most affected by climate change, cities along the Mediterranean, must be planned and designed to confront sea-level rise, droughts, water scarcity, overheating, and urban heat-island effects. At the same time, respecting their unique cultural and morphological characteristics, these cities require creative, innovative, and tailored solutions to adapt both their built environment and urban heritage to the challenges posed by climate change and disasters.

Students meeting the requirements are invited to submit proposals that adopt a multi-scalar approach to the challenges of climate change in the Mediterranean basin and their built environments, while always grounding their response in the urban design scale. Submissions should demonstrate how resilience can be embedded within Mediterranean urban fabrics, how transition can guide adaptive processes, and how transformation can open pathways to new models of sustainable urban life. Designs are expected to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and to embrace cultural, social, economic, and environmental sustainability