Imagining Student Life at IE:
Beyond the Vertical Campus
BRIEF
Every design—big or small—begins as an idea. At IE School of Architecture and Design, we’re on the lookout for yours. We want to celebrate those flickers of creative light that shine the brightest.
This ideas competition is open to anyone who believes that one of our innovative bachelor or master programs can help unlock your full potential. The general theme “Imagining Student Life at IE: Beyond the Vertical Campus” is the same for all applicants, but we’ll consider applicants to each program in separate pools when judging the submissions.
Your challenge is to think creatively in order to develop exciting new ideas for student life, drawing on the opportunities presented by the vertical campus
The brief is intentionally broad. We don’t want to constrain, contain, or impede an innovative idea with restrictive guidelines. Your submission can deal with anything from how we might reimagine the traditional student residence to tackling the issue of sustainability in all aspects of student life. Alternatively, you may focus on increasing the connection with the city, promoting student well-being or improving on-and off-campus mobility.
Above all, we want to see your creativity in action in a way that demonstrates your talent and way of thinking. We want you to consider how this hub of limitless potential can provide the most value to our students.
Duration: 5 years (intake: September)
Format: full-time
Language: English
Location: Segovia and Madrid
Duration: 4 years (intake: September)
Format: full-time
Language: English
Location: Segovia and Madrid
Duration: 10 months (intake: October)
Format: full-time
Language: English
Location: Madrid
Duration: 15 months (intake: April)
Format: part-time
Language: English
Location: Madrid + Amsterdam + Online
Duration: 15 months (intake: October)
Format: part-time
Language: English
Location: Madrid + Mexico City + Online
Duration: 10 months (intake: October)
Format: full-time
Language: English
Location: Madrid
This competition is open to six programs: two Bachelor’s (BAS and BID) and four Master’s (MSID, MBARCH, GMRED and MRED). The documents to be submitted vary depending on which program you choose.
Calendar
Competition kickoff
Last day to sign up
Last day to submit proposals
Jury Deliberations start
Jury Deliberations end
Finalist Pitch their projects
Winners announced
PRIZES
For those applying to our bachelors
There will be two (2) winners of the challenge under the Bachelor category.
They will have the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive scholarships (up to 50%) to study at IE University (School of Architecture and Design)
For those applying to our masters
-
There will be four winners of the challenge under the Masters category.
Once the winners enroll in the program of their choice, they will entitle a Guaranteed Direct Award scholarship worth 40% of the program’s tuition.
JURY

Benedetta Tagliabue
Head Architect at Miralles Tagliabue embt and Chairman of Fundació Enric Miralles

David Goodman
Associate Dean and Director of the Bachelor in Architectural Studies at IE School of Architecture and Design

Edgar gonzalez
Director of the bachelor in design at IE school of architecture and design

Margarita Chiclana
CEO UNEXUM Real Estate and Director of the Global Master in Real Estate Development at IE School of Architecture and Design

Christine Murray
Editor-in-chief, Founding Director and Owner at The Developer and Festival of Place

Jeffrey Sújar
Managing Partner Alternative Investments at Urbania International
FAQ
What do I need to deliver?
This competition is open to six programs: two Bachelor’s (BAS and BID) and four Master’s (MSID, MBARCH, GMRED and MRED). The documents to be submitted vary depending on which program you choose:
- for BAS, BID and MSID, there is no constraint: every creative option is welcome, as long as it is then sent through a presentation.
- For MBARCH, GMRED and MRED, on the other hand, the questionnaire found on the site must be downloaded, filled in and sent.
- Finally, a CV is also required for whichever program you want to apply for.
Is this competition for me?
This competition is open to all, students and young professionals in the fields of architecture, design and business, who wish to attend the teaching programs of the IE School of Architecture and Design. Given the international nature of the school, the official language of the competition is English.
Where are the programs taking place and can I apply from any part of the world?
The IE programs can take place either face to face or online. For additional details regarding the locations, check this page.