UNFOLD 2027: Call for Participation now open
Domus Academy opens the Call for Participation for UNFOLD 2027, the fourth edition of its international project competition for design schools and institutions, taking place during Milan Design Week, 12–18 April 2027.
Following an edition that brought together 20 universities from around the world, UNFOLD returns to connect international design students and educators through an exhibition and one-day conference.
Domus Academy opens the Call for Participation for UNFOLD 2027, the fourth edition of its international project competition for design schools and institutions, taking place during Milan Design Week, 12–18 April 2027.
Following an edition that brought together 20 universities from around the world, UNFOLD returns to connect international design students and educators through an exhibition and one-day conference.
Creating Ripples: Design for Amplifying Impact
The theme of UNFOLD 2027 is “Creating Ripples: Design for Amplifying Impact.” This edition explores how design can generate effects beyond its immediate outcome—activating new behaviours, relationships and forms of participation, and contributing to wider social, cultural and environmental change.
Through the interconnected dimensions of Latency, Modulation and Resonance, participants are invited to consider how design can reveal emerging possibilities, adapt to changing contexts and amplify impact across communities and systems.
How to Participate
The call is open to design schools and institutions worldwide, with Cumulus member institutions particularly encouraged to participate. Participation is exclusively through institutions, which apply on behalf of their students and involve them in the development of project proposals; applications from individual students are not accepted.
Interested institutions must complete an Expression of Interest by 25 September 2026. Selected schools will then be invited to develop and submit their projects for final selection and subsequent participation in the event.
For further information, contact unfold@domusacademy.it.
Read the full Call for Participation and submit your Expression of Interest here below!
FAQ – Frequent questions
1. What is UNFOLD?
UNFOLD is Domus Academy’s international project competition connecting design schools and students through an exhibition and conference during Milan Design Week. Launched in April 2023, the initiative brings together the international design education community in Milan.
2. When is Milan Design Week 2027?
Milan Design Week 2027 takes place in Milan from 12 to 18 April 2027. During the event, Domus Academy will present UNFOLD 2027, featuring an international exhibition and one-day conference.
3. What is Domus Academy?
Domus Academy is an international undergraduate and postgraduate design and fashion school in Milan, Italy, offering programmes in design, fashion, business and experience design.
