MYSTIC MARSH
78ha Eco Park & Development Hub International Academic Design Competition Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Reimagining Urban Wetlands
Mystic Marsh invites students from around the world to rethink a tropical wetland as a resilient, low – impact, future – ready destination.
The site — located in the Morata Swamp of Port Moresby — explores how ecology, eco-tourism, wellness, food systems, sustainable mobility, and light commercial activity can coexist within a sensitive natural environment.
The competition seeks bold ideas, ecological thinking, and visionary concepts.
WHO CAN ENTER
Open to:
1. Undergraduate and graduate students in:
Architecture
Urban Planning
Landscape Architecture
2. Students from any accredited university globally
All design work must be student-led.
THE DESIGN CHALLENGE
Create a conceptual masterplan that:
- Protects and restores wetland ecosystems
- Uses low-impact, sustainable strategies
- Integrates eco-tourism and wellness
- Supports agriculture and aquaculture
- Enables EV-based transport
- Celebrates place and landscape
Designs should prioritise ecology, climate resilience, and sensitive site response.
WHAT TO SUBMIT
- Conceptual site masterplan
- Diagrams and visuals
- At least one 3D/axon/massing view
- Sustainability strategy
- Notes on conceptual commercial viability
Hand-drawn or digital submissions accepted.
SUBMISSION FORMAT
- Digital only
- Single PDF
- No printed boards
KEY PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Wetland eco park
& buffer zones
EV mobility loop &
pedestrian paths
Low-density eco-resort
/ wellness spaces
Community gardens
& urban agriculture
Sustainable aquaculture
Low-rise commercial
and co-working zones
AWARD & RECOGNITION
Winners will receive cash prizes, certificates, and professional recognition, with opportunities for collaboration and exposure to international academic and industry networks.
Beyond the top awards, all participants will receive participation recognition and gain access to further professional development opportunities.
Key Dates
DESIGN THE FUTURE OF URBAN WETLANDS
Mystic Marsh invites students to imagine how cities can grow in harmony with nature.
Call to Action
Design the future of urban wetlands.
Imagine development that works with nature, not against it.