I started remembering the "architechture contests" we used to hold at college with the miniature bridges, then started extrapolating it to spellcasters learning architechture for better (and prudent) use of Wall spells, which may throw rather interesting results given how the Arcanamirium's objective is "practical applications of magic".
Being Absalom the Waterdeep-esque place it is, it wouldn't seem too far-fetched a contest at the Irorium where teams of conjurers sculpted a small fort with Wall of Stone spells, then get teams of (non-spellcasting) guards or automata on both attacking and defending sides, evaluating each participating "arcane architech" team according to how easy or hard is it to take each improvised fort. Whatsmore, being Absalom a kingdom that has never been taken by force of arms, these kind of contests actually make sense.
I'd love to hear your ideas on how to improve the concept. =)
