The private and anonymous competition aims to select the best preliminary project proposal that combines “architectural quality, technical and economic viability, as well as sustainability criteria and heritage respect,” as announced by the business organization. This initiative arises from the “growing concern for the temple's condition,” affected by vandalism, Madrid's climatic conditions—very different from its original location—and continuous exposure to factors such as pollution, humidity, thermal fluctuations, and tourist pressure.
“"The Temple of Debod should not be understood merely as an urban monument, but as an authentic museum piece over 2,000 years old, whose value demands protection conditions equivalent to those of other temples of its kind worldwide."
The call is open to companies, architects, civil engineers, and students from both disciplines, who can participate individually or in multidisciplinary teams. Each participant may submit a single proposal, which must address intervention strategies to improve the monument's protection, including architectural protection solutions, environmental control, site reorganization, or reversible and non-invasive systems that minimize impact on the original structure.
A jury composed of seven renowned professionals from academic, architectural, engineering, and institutional fields will evaluate the proposals. The competition offers a total prize fund of 15,000 euros, distributed among three awards: 7,500 euros for the first prize, 5,000 euros for the second, and 2,500 euros for the third. The jury's decision will be final and made independently, evaluating proposals anonymously.
The official publication of the rules took place on April 30, 2026, with the submission period running from May 1 to September 15, 2026. The jury will meet on October 1, 2026, to evaluate the submissions, and the public announcement of the competition results will be made before October 15, 2026.
The business organization emphasized that this competition aims to foster interdisciplinary reflection on the future of the Temple of Debod. A spokesperson added that protecting the monument is not only a cultural duty but also “an opportunity to position Madrid at the level of major international capitals in responsible heritage management.”
