THE FIELD STATION: A Multidisciplinary Hub in Virginias Living Coast
Overview
Terraviva has launched THE FIELD STATION, a dynamic architecture competition calling for a design of a Multidisciplinary Hub that harmonizes with the natural beauty and fragility of Virginia’s coastal ecosystem. Set within the secluded Shenk Property along the Severn River, this challenge encourages innovative solutions that integrate architecture, research, and ecology in one of the East Coast’s most sensitive environments.
Participants are invited to envision an R&D campus that stimulates collaboration across diverse fields including science, art, and technology. The project must tackle climate risks and ecological dynamics while showcasing architectural excellence.
Why You Should Participate
This competition presents a unique opportunity to:
- Design for real-world environmental contexts, tackling issues like flooding, marsh migration, and rising tides.
- Showcase work on an international platform, including an exhibition at ArchEx 2025 in Virginia.
- Engage with leading experts from renowned architectural firms around the world.
- Win up to €10,000 in prizes, along with visibility, networking, and publishing opportunities.
- Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and innovation, contributing to the future of coastal architecture.
Whether you’re an emerging designer or a seasoned architect, this is a chance to push the boundaries of multidisciplinary and environmental design.
Key Highlights
- Site: Shenk Property, Severn River, Virginia (USA)
- Program: Multidisciplinary Field Station and R&D Campus
- Design Focus: Environmental adaptability, collaboration, sustainability, and integration with landscape
- Target Users: Students, researchers, startups, artists, and professionals
Entry Fees
| Registration Phase | Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early | May 20 – July 25 | €79 |
| Standard | July 25 – September 12 | €99 |
| Late | September 12 – October 3 | €129 |
Prizes and Recognition
| Prize | Description |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | €5,000 + Publication + Exhibition |
| 2nd Prize | €2,000 + Publication + Exhibition |
| 3rd Prize | €1,000 + Publication + Exhibition |
| 5 Golden Mentions | Free membership coupon |
| 10 Honorable Mentions | Free competition coupon |
| 30 Finalists | Publication on Terraviva channels |
| Exhibition | ArchEx 2025, Virginia – November 5th |
Submission Details
- Format: Two A1 panels (59.4 x 84.1 cm, landscape) + a 250–500 word descriptive text.
- Content: Must include site-sensitive design proposals, sustainable integration, spatial programming, and narrative.
- Language: All text must be in English.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Competition Launch | May 20, 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | October 3, 2025 |
| Winners Announcement | November 5, 2025 |
| Exhibition Opening | November 5, 2025 |
How to Join
- Register online through the official Terraviva platform.
- Select your preferred registration tier based on date.
- Download the competition brief and site files.
- Prepare your two A1 panels and written text.
- Submit your entry by the October 3 deadline.
Judging Criteria
The proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Contextual Integration: How well the design responds to the Severn River site and its ecological sensitivities.
- Multidisciplinary Functionality: Ability to foster innovation across science, art, and technology.
- Sustainability and Adaptability: Use of sustainable methods and adaptability to climate changes.
- Architectural Quality: Design originality, material strategy, spatial articulation, and user engagement.
- Presentation: Clarity, creativity, and narrative coherence of the submission materials.
Registration Deadline
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