Rendering of a modern urban park surrounded by futuristic buildings with rooftop gardens and large windows. People walk and gather in the open green space, while cars drive past on a nearby street. Birds fly in a partly cloudy sky.
URBAN LAND INSTITUTE

The Urban Land Institute's Gerald D. Hines Student Urban Design Competition is an annual graduate-level competition intended to provide an interdisciplinary learning experience for business and design students. Student teams work on large-scale sites with complex challenges that need innovative solutions reflecting responsible land use. Each team is required to work in a multifaceted way, incorporating design, planning, market potential, and feasibility into their development strategies.

Each year the School of Architecture participates in the Urban Land Institute's Gerald D. Hines Student Urban Design Competition. Participation in the national competition, along with an internal competition at UT Austin, is funded through a generous gift from the Cogburn Family Foundation.

Each year, students from across the School of Architecture's disciplines, from architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, community and regional planning, and the McCombs School of Business have taken part in the competition. UT Austin student teams have performed exceedingly well in the national competition, with two national winners, as well as many finalists and honorable mentions. 

The Urban Design Program at the School of Architecture also offers a ULI studio. The studio works in teams, taking on the same project that is the subject of the competition. The teams will continue to work after the initial ten-day competition to develop the group projects.

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  • Instagram Post
    Introducing the next generation of architects, designers and planners.🤘 Congratulations to UTSOA Class of 2026! We can't wait to see what you do next. 🎓 <br /><br />📸 : @ticomendoza
    @utsoa

    Introducing the next generation of architects, designers and planners.🤘 Congratulations to UTSOA Class of 2026! We can't wait to see what you do next. 🎓

    📸 : @ticomendoza

  • Instagram Post
    Not a goodbye, just a see you later. 👋 🎓Commencement is TODAY! Let's make this the perfect ending to your chapter as students. <br><br>Details:<br>• Hogg Memorial Auditorium (2300 Whitis Ave.) (Doors open at 1 pm!)<br>• 2:00 PM (CDT)
    @utsoa

    Not a goodbye, just a see you later. 👋 🎓Commencement is TODAY! Let's make this the perfect ending to your chapter as students.

    Details:
    • Hogg Memorial Auditorium (2300 Whitis Ave.) (Doors open at 1 pm!)
    • 2:00 PM (CDT)

  • Instagram Post
    Celebrating 50 Years ✨ Congratulations to Professors Michael Garrison and Larry Speck for celebrating 50 years with us here at the School of Architecture.
    @utsoa

    Celebrating 50 Years ✨ Congratulations to Professors Michael Garrison and Larry Speck for celebrating 50 years with us here at the School of Architecture.

  • Instagram Post
    Hello from Copenhagen 👋 <br><br>Architecture student Isabella Main traveled from UT Austin to Copenhagen, Denmark to work with @adeptarchitects as part of @utsoaprp.<br>
    @utsoa

    Hello from Copenhagen 👋

    Architecture student Isabella Main traveled from UT Austin to Copenhagen, Denmark to work with @adeptarchitects as part of @utsoaprp.

  • Instagram Post
    In 1975, Dean Charles Burnette made four significant hires: Michael Benedikt, Larry Doll, Michael Garrison and Larry Speck. To celebrate their 50th work anniversary, we interviewed Larry Speck and Michael Garrison. <br>
    @utsoa

    In 1975, Dean Charles Burnette made four significant hires: Michael Benedikt, Larry Doll, Michael Garrison and Larry Speck. To celebrate their 50th work anniversary, we interviewed Larry Speck and Michael Garrison.

  • Instagram Post
    You did it! Congratulations to our students on successful Final Reviews. 👏 <br>
    @utsoa

    You did it! Congratulations to our students on successful Final Reviews. 👏

  • Instagram Post
    The countdown is ON! On Saturday, May 9, we celebrate our students at commencement. We are *so proud* of your hard work and dedication. We can't wait to see you walk the stage! 🥹 <br>
    @utsoa

    The countdown is ON! On Saturday, May 9, we celebrate our students at commencement. We are *so proud* of your hard work and dedication. We can't wait to see you walk the stage! 🥹

  • Instagram Post
    On Friday, May 1, we invite you to attend the 2026 End Of Year Show, INDEX. The exhibition is designed by Jeremy Atticus Smith (M.Arch) and Evan Altenburg (M.Arch). The event features a student awards portion as well. <br>
    @utsoa

    On Friday, May 1, we invite you to attend the 2026 End Of Year Show, INDEX. The exhibition is designed by Jeremy Atticus Smith (M.Arch) and Evan Altenburg (M.Arch). The event features a student awards portion as well.

  • Instagram Post
    To conclude the Landscape First Essay Series, we interviewed university architect Brent Stringfellow (@utaustinarchitect). Together with Stringfellow, we explore the inner workings of our Austin campus and share aspirations for the future Campus Master Plan.<br>
    @utsoa

    To conclude the Landscape First Essay Series, we interviewed university architect Brent Stringfellow (@utaustinarchitect). Together with Stringfellow, we explore the inner workings of our Austin campus and share aspirations for the future Campus Master Plan.