Overview
The Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA) in Greenwood Village, Colorado, invites U.S.-based collegiate students and student teams from disciplines such as architecture, landscape architecture, art, and design to participate in the Design and Build Student Competition. This year’s theme, “Sacred Geometry: Platonic Solids,” challenges participants to design an architectural walk-in structure or sculptural installation using one or more of the five Platonic solids as the foundational geometry:
- Dodecahedron
- Icosahedron
- Octahedron
- Hexahedron (Cube)
- Tetrahedron
Participants must create a concept that integrates sustainability, environmental impact, and material efficiency while incorporating architecture, landscape, and/or sculptural elements. The final design can include interactive programming features, such as music, lighting, projection, or other experiential elements.
Each submission must be designed to fit within one of five natural settings (sites) provided by the competition, ensuring the proposed structure is publicly accessible and enhances the user experience.
The official design brief with full competition details will be released on November 22, 2024, with additional support resources provided at the competition opening on January 3, 2025.
Why You Should Participate
This competition offers a unique platform for students to:
- Explore the intersection of geometry, architecture, and public art.
- Apply innovative design thinking to real-world environmental contexts.
- Gain recognition from professionals in the art and architecture industries.
- Compete for a total prize pool of $24,000.
- Have their work featured in the MOA’s Competition Archive.
Key Highlights
- Scope: Conceptual design competition for students in art, architecture, landscape architecture, and related fields.
- Theme: Sacred Geometry: Platonic Solids – designing walk-in structures or sculptural installations based on one or more Platonic solids.
- Integration: Entries may incorporate interactive elements like lighting, music, or projections.
- Sustainability: Designs should consider environmental impact and sustainable materials.
- Site-Specific Design: Entries must be adapted to one of five provided natural sites.
- Eligibility: Open to U.S.-based college students (individuals or teams).
Entry Fees
Registration Type | Fee |
---|---|
General Entry | Free |
Prizes and Recognition
Award | Prize Amount (USD) |
---|---|
1st Place | $10,000 |
2nd Place | $7,500 |
3rd Place | $5,000 |
Honorable Mention | $1,500 |
- Team Entries: Prizes will be split evenly among team members.
- Recognition: Winning entries will be featured on the MOA Competition Archive website.
Submission Details
Participants must submit:
- A conceptual design proposal that utilizes one or more Platonic solids.
- A response to the chosen site, demonstrating how the structure interacts with its surroundings.
- Sustainability considerations in material selection and environmental impact.
- Optional interactive elements that enhance the public experience.
The full design brief will be released on November 22, 2024, with additional resources provided upon the competition opening on January 3, 2025.
Important Dates
Milestone | Date |
---|---|
Competition Announcement | October 31, 2024 |
Design Brief Published | November 22, 2024 |
Competition Opens | January 3, 2025 |
Submission Deadline | April 19, 2025 (11:59 PM MST) |
Finalist Selection | May 2025 |
Finalist Presentations | May–June 2025 (via video conference) |
Winners Announced | July 2025 |
How to Join
- Review the design brief (available from November 22, 2024).
- Develop a conceptual design incorporating Platonic solids and considering site-specific constraints.
- Ensure sustainability is integrated into your proposal.
- Prepare a submission including visual representations, design rationale, and interactive elements.
- Submit your entry before April 19, 2025 (11:59 PM MST).
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated based on:
- Conceptual Strength: Creative interpretation of Platonic solids in architectural or sculptural form.
- Site Integration: How well the design responds to the chosen natural site.
- Sustainability: Consideration of environmental impact and material efficiency.
- User Experience: Inclusion of interactive and experiential elements.
- Aesthetic and Structural Integrity: The balance between form, function, and artistic expression.
Jury Panel
The panel includes esteemed professionals in art, architecture, and design:
- Cynthia Madden Leitner – President & Co-Founder, Museum of Outdoor Arts
- Lonnie Hanzon – Artist & Founder, Hanzon Studios
- Kelley Bergmann – Fanum Entrepreneurship Club & MOA Board Vice President