Non Architecture is a Rome-based platform that organizes architecture and design competitions focused on urban reimagining. Located at Via Delle Coppelle 3 in Rome, the organization invites architects, designers, and visionaries to tackle challenges related to contemporary city development and heritage preservation.
Between 2016 and 2019, Non Architecture organized a series of 10 competitions aimed at reinventing functional spaces. These competitions have covered diverse urban issues, from repurposing historic monuments to addressing environmental concerns. One notable initiative, the Unfinished Colosseum competition, challenged participants to transform Rome's iconic amphitheater from a static tourist attraction into a multifunctional space for cultural events and community activities. Another project, RE-NATURE ROME, invited submissions for new urban models that promote biodiversity within Rome's context, recognizing the city's unique connection between its historic character and natural environment.
The organization's approach distinguishes itself by positioning competitions as creative laboratories where historical significance intersects with contemporary design needs. Rather than simply preserving heritage, Non Architecture frames urban challenges as opportunities to redefine how residents interact with their environment and historical identity. The competitions emphasize practical solutions that balance structural integrity with modern utility, asking participants to consider how ancient structures and urban spaces can serve active roles in 21st-century city life.
Non Architecture's work reflects a broader shift in architectural practice—moving beyond passive observation of historical monuments toward active engagement with urban transformation. The organization operates with flexibility in competition parameters, encouraging designers to think beyond conventional limitations when proposing interventions.