Dezeen promotion: architects and designers are invited to submit concepts to transform an abandoned paper factory in Bologna, Italy, into a high school and a business incubator for start-ups (+ slideshow).
The Green Academy competition, organised by Young Architects Competitions (YAC), asks entrants to address the effects of population growth on the environment by reusing the building to develop a centre dedicated to environmental and sustainable practices.
Located in Marzabotto, a small Italian town and commune, the former paper factory is owned by Dismeco ? a European company that disposes and recycles electrical equipment.

Proposals for the building's transformation must accommodate both teaching spaces for a high school as well as areas for start-ups. "Dismeco aims at designing its own didactic centre to become the most acknowledged international reference in research, training and development of sustainable disciplines," said YAC.

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The international jury panel includes architects Ippolito Pestellini from OMA, Agostino Ghirardelli from Libeskind Studio, and Valerie Mulvin from McCullough Mulvin Studio.

A total of ?20,000 (approximately £15,500) in prize money will be awarded. The winner will receive ?10,000 (approximately £7,730), the runner-up gets ?4,000 (approximately £2,800) and the third prize is ?2,000 (approximately £1,400). ...