The Federal University of Ceará (UFC), in collaboration with the Institute of Architects of Brazil – Department of Ceará (IAB/CE), has launched the National Public Contest for Architecture, Urbanism, and Landscape Design aimed at creating the UFC Arts, Culture, and Events Center. This new complex will be built in one of the most emblematic locations on the waterfront of Fortaleza.
Registration for the competition opened on August 13th and will run until October 6, 2026. The final deadline for submitting proposals is set for October 21, 2026. The future structure will occupy the land previously held by the São Pedro Building, which was known as Iracema Plaza Hotel, located at Rua Arariús, No. 9, in the Praia de Iracema neighborhood.
Currently, this location houses the São Pedro Cultural Square, a public space managed by the UFC's Pro-Rectorate of Culture. The design of the Arts, Culture, and Events Center must respect the existing urban permeability and reaffirm the community's affective bond with the location, being a direct result of this contest.
The official notice stipulates that submitted suggestions must dialogue with pre-existing urban characteristics, while also considering the historical and symbolic significance of the site, promoting the appreciation of the area's memory within the architectural project. More than just a building, the project aims to be an urban act that recognizes the territory's history and projects Fortaleza's cultural future.
What the contest seeks
The main purpose of the contest is to select the architectural proposal that best meets the technical, urbanistic, environmental, cultural, and institutional guidelines established in the Contest Rules. Evaluation criteria include the suitability of spaces for artistic, cultural, academic, and institutional activities; correct urban integration, ensuring accessibility and integration with public space; the public, inclusive, and representative nature of the facility; the adoption of environmentally sustainable solutions aligned with the local climate; and the technical, construction, and economic viability of the idea.
The judging process will occur in a single stage, under the responsibility of a Judging Committee, which will be tasked with classifying the proposals and indicating the winner.
Prizes
UFC has reserved a total amount of R$ 140 thousand to be distributed among the three best proposals. The first place winner will receive R$ 80,000.00, the second R$ 40,000.00, and the third R$ 20,000.00.
How to participate
Both registration and submission of proposals must be done exclusively through the official contest website, concursocaceufc.org.br, respecting the official schedule and Brasília time zone. The contest is open to architects and urban planners working individually as well as teams composed of large firms or independent professionals, reinforcing its democratic character. Additional details, the complete official notice, and the schedule can be found on the same official website.