INFORMATION: The Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Architects proudly presents the 9th annual High School Student Design Competition. The competition is open to individual high school students within the state of Georgia currently enrolled in grades 9-12 (team entries will not be accepted). The goal of this exciting program is to engage high school students in the design process. ENTRY PROCEDURE: All entries will be online through the AIA Atlanta Website at aiaatl.org. Each contestant must fill out and submit the entry form by February 7, 2014 to be eligible for the 2014 HSSDC. Registration for the competition is FREE for students. SUBMISSION AND DEADLINES: Registration: All registration forms must be received by 4 P.M. on February 7, 2014. Register online at aiaatl.org. Submissions: All submissions must be received by 4 P.M. on March 27, 2014; late submissions will not be accepted. Submissions may be picked up after June 6, 2014. We regret we cannot return any submissions by mail or other means. Deliver submission packages to: Missy Bower AIA Atlanta 113 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30303 404.222.0099 ext 103 missy@aiaatl.org Students submitting winning entries agree to allow the American Institute of Architects and the competition sponsors the right to use submissions for publicity purposes. JUDGING AND JURORS: Judging will be held in April 2014. Winners will be notified by telephone or email and awards will be presented at a reception/lecture to be held after the judging. More information on the jurors, judging, and event will follow in February. For information on last year s jury and to get an insider s look at how the decision is made, check out our website at: http://www.aiaatl.org/outreach/ Page 2 of 14
EVALUATION: Creativity and imagination are the major considerations you should give this project. Evaluation of the final projects will be based on the following: o Creativity and imagination o Practicality of solution o Demonstration of a full understanding of the project program through the design solution o Demonstration of the design process used to create the solution (see section Design Process) o Quality of drawings and presentation material o Approach to site design and environmental sustainability o Universal design AWARDS: The following prizes will be awarded in the form of a scholarship to the college of your choice: First Prize: $2,000 Second Prize: $1,000 Third Prize: $500 Honorable Mentions will be awarded at the jury s discretion. The winners will be announced and their work will be presented at an AIA event, which will include a talk from a local architect and a reception. PRESENTATION AND SUBMISSION: Student submissions should be presented on a maximum of four (4) boards which are 30" by 20" in size. Portrait or landscape orientation is acceptable, but it is suggested that all boards are presented in the same orientation. The minimum presentation drawings include: Site plan showing the site and surrounding context (just showing the site boundary is strongly discouraged) Building floor plans (to scale, at least 1/16"=1'-0") Building elevations (to scale, should match floor plan scale) Building perspectives (2 minimum) Building section (1 minimum) Design process images: sketches, photographs of models, concept development ideas Paragraph describing the student's project and design concept (max 300 words), typed and attached to the back of the first board Optional: interior perspectives, general construction detail Optional: Skyline image, showing the building in context and relation to Atlanta Optional drawings are strongly encouraged. Page 3 of 14
PROGRAM: VIEW 360 ATLANTA OBSERVATION DECK The Atlanta skyline is often seen as an extensive path along the urban landscape. Throughout the years, as the heart of the city has shifted, the context has grown up around these centers of activity. Historically Atlanta grew up around the railroads. Peachtree follows the original ridgeline used by Native Americans. As the city has grown, these influences - though not as prominent as they once were - still impact the city and its development. The Atlanta Observation Deck is a proposal to change all that. By attacking the problem, not just on the ground but from above the surface, the observation deck will bring new life and awareness to the abandoned site. The observation deck will serve as a testament to Atlanta old and new, welcoming visitors to this great city and giving them a unique view of the landscape that created Atlanta. The main goal is to design a new structure or platform that allows 360 degree viewing of the city of Atlanta. This new iconic landmark has the potential to explore different aspects of viewing the skyline; whether horizontal or vertical, the platform becomes a new representation of the city. The project should be clearly anchored to the site, becoming a permanent fixture within the context. Check Out This Project: Miro Rivera Architects - Observation Tower and Grand Plaza at the Circuit of the Americas http://www.mirorivera.com/observation-tower--circuit-of-the-americas.html Page 4 of 14
SITE Located in the SoNo (South of North Ave.) district of Atlanta, the site lies in the nebulous area between downtown and midtown. This location allows the observation deck to have views of both downtown and midtown, including Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Tech, and the historic MLK center. This site is also located next to the Civic Center MARTA station, and overlooks the Downtown Connector. This location is visible to thousands of tourists and commuters every day and can serve as a new icon to the ever-changing landscape of the city. The site and site context are important parts of any project. Take some time to analyze the surrounding areas and other iconic structures in Atlanta to influence your design. Evaluating the site and context are also great ways to develop your wildcard program component to make your project unique and relevant. Page 5 of 14
SITE PHOTOS AND SECTION Page 6 of 14
PROGRAM ELEMENTS The 2014 High School Student Design Competition Program centers on the main function, the observation deck, and it also includes exterior and support spaces to create a community and tourist destination. In addition to the prescribed program elements, students are encouraged to explore how the observation deck interacts with the site and surrounding area to develop a wildcard program that will benefit the overall composition. PROGRAM BREAKDOWN Observation deck to hold 30-40 people Viewing area may consist of multiple decks to provide different views, as long as the total of the areas is at least 1200 SF Ticket booth that accommodates 2 people Management and security office Interior meeting/event/gathering space Small café with seating for 24 Serving counter Small kitchen Restrooms - men s and women s Must have at least 1 of each, may provide more depending on design Exterior amphitheater - seats 200 people Exterior plaza - for gatherings of 200 people WILDCARD you decide 1200+ SF 100 SF 300 SF 500 SF 400 SF 100 SF 100 SF 200 SF/each 2,000 SF 2,000 SF Stairs Elevator Elevator equipment room Building services/utility area Total: 2/ Level @ 200 SF/level 100 SF/level 100 SF 500 SF +/- 8000 SF Check Out This Project: The High Line Park, New York By James Corner- landscape architect http://www.fieldoperations.net/ Page 7 of 14
PROGRAM CONSIDERATIONS Observation Deck This is the main attraction. This area is about offering the most unique views of Atlanta to the visitors who come to the deck. This space can be someone s introduction to the city or can be a great place for a first date or an exciting location for a day out with friends. Think creatively about what you want this space to become, what it means to the city, and most importantly, what it looks like and how it will change the skyline of Atlanta. Some questions to consider when designing this space: How high is the observation deck? Is it interior or exterior? How do people get up there? How do they get down? What is that experience like? What view is the deck offering? Who is coming to this space? How is the deck structurally supported? Support Spaces Management Offices, Security and Ticket Booth These spaces are essential to the overall success of the project. Without these spaces the observation deck would not function properly. These spaces serve as the back-of-house support for the project and should consider not only the public, but the workers and staff who will use these spaces the most. Check Out This Project: Washington Monument, Washington, DC Take note of the campus layout: location of ticket booth, support spaces in relation to the monument/observation deck. Event Spaces and Café These secondary attractions bring visitors and people into the complex and create dynamic spaces that perform more than one function. The event space and café are flexible and open spaces that may need to host various events dances, dinners, receptions, parties, or even proms. Think about how these spaces may (or may not) be related. Are these spaces connected, separate, or even located on the same floor? Also, what makes these spaces unique since Atlanta already has plenty of event and performance spaces, why is the space that you are designing the best event space in Atlanta? Check Out This Project: Georgia Aquarium event space with view into the tiger shark tank This is a great example of an event space that is distinct and offers a unique experience. http://www.tvsa.com/markets/aquarium s/georgia-aquarium.aspx Page 8 of 14
Exterior Spaces and Gathering One thing the jurors will look at when evaluating your project will be how it connects to the ground and to the area around it. Take some time to study the surrounding environment and think about where on the site you are locating your project, how people enter the site, how they exit, and how visitors move through the site. These spaces can also offer great views of the city or great connections to the city and can be enhanced by a well thought-out and placed wildcard component. These exterior spaces should also be linked to the rest of the project architecturally, meaning your project should read as one cohesive experience, and not disparate or separate parts. Check Out This Project: Bjarke Ingels Group Danish Pavilion The observation deck does not have to be tall to be symbolic or to stand out. http://www.designboom.com/architecture/bigarchitects-danish-pavilion-at-shanghai-expo-2010/ WILDCARD Architects are often asked to provide their own ideas and opinions on what can make a project pop and stand out. It is your job to explore the project programs, evaluate the site and the site context, and propose a project component that will enhance the observation deck, make community connections and/or draw visitors to the space. You must also make the case for why you want to add this program to the site and sell the jury on your idea through diagrams, sketches, and your overall project statement. This is your chance to be creative and think outside of the box. If you have any questions regarding this component, please feel free to reach out to us on our Facebook page or our website at aiaatl.org/outreach. Check Out This Project: Proposed Observation Tower, Phoenix, AZ by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) Look at their diagrams and drawings and how they work to explain their project in compelling and visual ways http://www.archdaily.com/310374/phoenix-observation-tower-big/ Check Out This Project: Eifel Tower, Paris, France Page 9 of 14
DESIGN PROCESS This competition is a schematic design competition, looking to hone your design skills and get you thinking conceptually about architecture and design. But what does schematic mean? The schematic design phase is the first phase of any architecture project, where you explore ideas, have fun and get messy. We are looking for creative solutions to the problem that are plausible and engaging. That does not mean you have to have all of the details figured out. Work hard to develop a concept and an idea that drives your project, figure out how the different parts respond to that concept, and then sell that concept to the jury. Here are some key things to consider for this level of development: Space adjacencies and site layout how are all of your parts working together to create a cohesive experience? Understanding site constraints, opportunities and connections Sizes, shapes and volumes of spaces interior and exterior Massing and form of your project Concept the main idea driving your project. Check out our jury video from last year s competition to get a good of idea how concepts can influence your design o Aiaatl.org/outreach Winning HSSDC entries will have a strong concept statement. These design concepts can range from a general idea of how the building should integrate within its site to an external concept that is as whimsical as an artistic expression. Design concepts can also be rooted in exploration of building systems, like structure or sustainability. As you develop your project and design concept, you should be considering your final presentation by documenting your sketches and the design changes that occurred throughout your process. Submissions should include both a written paragraph describing their project and a series of drawings or images that explains the design process and concept for the project. Take some time to put pen to paper and sketch your ideas, and don t forget to include these drawings in your final presentation; the jurors love seeing how an idea and concept came to life and how you explored your concept from the beginning. Schematic design process drawings by Rem Koolhaas at OMA, Frank Ghery and Bjarke Ingles Group Page 10 of 14
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Universal Design, Sustainability, and Planning Universal Design (Accessibility) One of the major considerations for any project is making it readily accessible and usable by all persons with disabilities. It is very wise to consider how people will maneuver and enjoy being a part of your project. Here are a few questions to keep in mind throughout your design process: How does one access the different parts of your site? Is there elevator access to every level? Is there ramp access? Which type of access best suits your design? Are there parts of your building that are not accessible? Why or why not? What cues throughout the project would help a person with a disability navigate around? These are big questions and big concerns, but do not get too lost in these issues. Take some time to consider them and show the jury your ideas and your thought process. It doesn t have to be perfect, but acknowledging that these issues are real and that you have tried to solve these challenges will go a long way in the jury s mind. This is an example of an accessible route that allows access to all of the main functions of a building. For more information visit www.ada.gov. Page 11 of 14
Sustainability Sustainability is one of the key issues that define this generation. When building today, we must think about tomorrow and the impact we are having on the environment. So, when designing your project consider how it is positively or negatively impacting the city and its inhabitants. Consider some of the following aspects of sustainability for your project: How much energy does the building use? o Buildings account for 36% of total energy use in the US and 65% of electricity consumption! o How does your building use energy wisely? Does your project incorporate renewable energy? How does your building address solar heat? Does it use systems to shade, or does it harvest the energy to heat the building? What strategies does your building use to minimize water use? Rain water collection? Green spaces? Take some time to consider the potential sustainable features of your project. Perhaps sustainability could be a driving concept for your design. Urban Planning and Design One of the key factors of the site is its proximity to the MARTA rail line, to Centennial Olympic Park, and of course to Downtown Atlanta. But how does your building connect to these places? Take a moment to consider some of the following urban design challenges: How does your building relate to the ground and the surrounding areas? Does your project encourage walking or driving or the use of mass transit? Or does it do all three? Or two? Where are the visitors coming from and how do they get there? What is the experience like approaching the building from the street level? How does the project encourage smart community growth and interaction? Will people enjoy being at your site? Urban planning is complicated but it could be a great way to begin to develop your concept, and it should have some major influence on your design and the decisions that you make. Page 12 of 14
LAST YEAR S WINNERS Program: A New Student Orientation Center for Georgia State University For more information on all of our winners, to see a video describing the jury process, and to learn more about their projects, please visit our website at AIAATL.org/outreach. FIRST PLACE Neal Isaiah Capangpangan, Allatoona High School SECOND PLACE Nicholas Christiansen Chattahoochee High School THIRD PLACE Trevor Clay Chattahoochee High School Page 13 of 14
READING AND RESOURCE LIST Yes is More Bjarke Ingles Group This architecture comic book was put together by one of the most forward-thinking design firms in the world. Combining great visuals and a fun style, it makes it a great way to explore architecture from form to function. Image of the City Kevin Lynch Kevin Lynch changed urban planning forever when he devised his five elements of the city: path, edge, district, node and landmarks. He argues that every major city is made up of these elements, and that successfully using these is the key to a great urban environment. Rural Studio, directed by Samuel Mockbee Samuel Mockbee devised his rural studio as a way to get architecture students to give back to needy communities. Every semester students from Auburn University travel to the poorest counties in the country and build buildings out of non-traditional materials. They are literally changing lives one structure at a time. A Pattern Language - Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, Murray Silverstein This book takes a look at the home and the patterns and designs that can be used to solve design problems in many varying circumstances. S, M, L, XL - Rem Koolhaas, Bruce Mau, Hans Werlemann A quintessential architecture book that explores how scale affects architecture and how designs must adapt to these scales Page 14 of 14