#ideascompetition

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Rethinking Design challenge to equip cities with modern furniture- Evolutionise Design Challenge by UNI

REINVIGORATING PUBLIC SPACES

Cities and their history tell us a lot about how humans react to certain stimuli and how social constructs evolved along with time and experience. In different parts of the world, society works differently but also similar in ways. But to develop a certain algorithm to suit one context, one would have to study the place in particular.

The current state of evolution of any city is stuck to one benchmark that is set by the developed countries. While having this as a goal is a plus point, completely adopting their methods into every context has led to stagnation in evolution. It is in terms of gentrifying the world’s diversity and today’s world is slowly reaching a saturation point in those terms, especially cities and urbanities.

The human brain requires constant alterity in its stimuli or it tends to slowly deteriorate like any atrophied muscle. To provide this dynamic change, on a larger scale, public spaces that people use every day can be the bull’s eye as they act as a major part of a majority percentile of humans.

How can public avenues be made more interesting?

REDESIGN URBAN FURNITURE

Evolutionise is a step forward that seeks to bind the concept of urban identity and the furniture that speak for the city. It aims at creating elements that connect the dots to reveal the underlying identity of a city.

The competition brief calls for the design of a family of furniture for the desired city, with common features in concept/form/colour/design that is derived by the city under consideration. 

The aim of the competition is to come up with unique designs of furniture that are futuristic and modern, yet contextual and accessible. The infusion of technology into the realms of furniture design is not a new feat, but making furniture for a public space to suit a variety of people needs to be revolutionised.

The location of these pieces of furniture also matters, by analyzing key spots where they could be meaningful to the city as well. The furniture must cater to the needs of the local demography by studying their patterns and activities. The public furniture must be durable, sleek, and replicable in multiple spots if need be.

OBJECTIVES

The furniture pieces created, can be chosen from a broad category of street furniture categories given below These can be chosen by preferences of the designer or affinity/use/compatibility of furniture to the city.

Participants have to design any 4 different furniture pieces in the following typology. They can be combinable, but they should be useful/meaningful in isolation as well.

Typology A is mandatory, and the other 3 can be chosen separately. Furniture that fits more than a single typology will be placed in the I. Hybrid category.  

There is no additional merit associated with the kind of choice of the categories but the design input of the participant and its merging or combination. You can use hybrid categories that may solve crucial spots of the city and at the same time define its image at large.

GOALS

The key qualities expected in the furniture pieces are: 

Lively: Should be open/accessible for people to be a part of with fun/fresh/digital mediums to engage.

Modularity: Design modular furniture that is industrially replicable and inclusive.

Robust: Develop a furniture piece that can withstand years of use in the public realm.

Engage: Should be a vibrant part of the streetscape and be able to connect to a wide age group.

SITE

New York City is a populous metropolitan that has a population of more than 20 million residents. The society is multicultural with people coming to the city from all over the world. The streets are overwhelmed with skyscrapers, commercial establishments for food, clothing and so on, which attracts a huge footfall of pedestrians around the city. Public transport is an important part of the infrastructure of the city.

The site for this challenge is Brooklyn, New York City. The neighbourhood is a hub of cultural activity, art and design. There are many cultural venues and local businesses that contribute to the economy of the city. 

The sidewalks are overwhelmed with pedestrians and trade pop-ups. The selected site must provide various opportunities such as traffic lights, bus stops, street lights and empty spaces for other creations.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Evolutionise | Product Design Competition on UNI | About

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Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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Rethinking Challenge to design an art hotel - 'Hotel de Arte' Design Challenge by UNI

CULTURAL  REVEAL

The tourism industry is on an all-time high owing to the shift in the work lifestyle of people in the present context. Urban residents have a sedentary and work-intensive way of living, where vacation presents itself, as an alluring escape. 

Travelling offers a respite from a busy schedule and also gives the opportunity to experience a new culture in a new setting. With the rising popularity of travelling, more cities are equipping themselves with amenities or attraction features that are conducive for tourism. 

The local culture is put on a front pedestal to engage tourists’ in the immersive experience of a distinct land. Art and performances are an important part of the tangible aspects of the cultural heritage of a place and are explored extensively by visitors of every region. 

ART IN THE CITY

Art is the soul of the cultural landscape of an urban setting. They promote local culture and tourism. It is exhibited in various public spaces in the city like museums, art events and galleries. 

These establishments are frequently visited by art enthusiasts and tourists for an immersive local cultural experience. 

But the representation of the artwork in institutional establishments is exclusive and limited. Only a handful of artists get the chance to present their work. Artists rely on their audience to portray their work and connect to their viewers. 

How can we provide new avenues for artists to connect with their audience?

ART EXPLORATION AND TOURISM 

Travelling, in contemporary times, includes documentation and promotion of stories of travels, through various media channels. They are the primary audiences of the local art and culture of any region. The connection between the traveller and local artists can be enhanced for their benefit.  Hotels are the preferred accommodation of tourists and vacationers. The hospitality industry already employs art pieces in their accommodation design as part of the ambience.

But more often than not, these art pieces tend to take a back seat in the ambience impact of a space. The capacity of artwork, to act as a pit stop for engagement and deliberation, is unexplored. Art has the ability to be a conversation starter and engagement device. This ability can be used to create more hospitable environments in hotels. Hotels of every budget can benefit from this artistic addition. 

Hotels are often privacy-oriented, but this can leave new travellers feeling isolated and lonely.  Art can be used as a bridge to render a lively and engaging experience to the residents creating an immersive cultural journey. 

DESIGN FOR THE LOCAL CULTURE

Brief: Design an art hotel that creates a conducive environment for the promotion of local culture as well as adds a unique element to the hotel accommodation experience. 

The design can be inspired by the local art and culture of the region it is set in. The hotel must consist of art-related activity spaces like a gallery, exhibition hall and so on. The design must establish a connection with the surrounding areas.

The art hotel design will become a part of the cultural landscape of the region. Since the building will be visited by residents staying at the hotel and outside visitors, access points must be appointed accordingly for security and privacy reasons. 

The aim of an art hotel is to design the hotel around the art which it presents. The experience of a hotel is elevated with creative storytelling through architectural spaces. A successful collaboration can be achieved between local art organisations and private hotel investors. 

OBJECTIVES

Landmark: The design of the art hotel must be inviting and exemplary features must create a standout visual impact.

Balance: Art should not remain a filler but influence the design of the space around it. At the same time, art must not overwhelm the living spaces in the hotel. 

Comfort: The public-private domain spaces must be allocated accordingly. The well-being of the users must be the top priority while facilitating the hotel with services.

Context: The richness and diversity of the site context must be portrayed in the form and space design of the proposal. 

SITE

Barcelona city in Spain is a palette that is a blend of vibrant and distinct cultures from all over the globe. It has a marvellous landscape of art and architecture, with modern trends and local traditions. The city draws major tourism, for both nature and culture intensive experiences. 

The art scene of the city is dynamic. Besides the many art galleries and museums, the urban spaces around the city are a canvas for public art by world-famous artists. The local artists showcase their work in public plazas all over the city. 

The site can be accessed via Carrer de Bilbao or Carrer del Marroc road. Located in the neighbourhood of Sant Marti, it is surrounded by residential and commercial sites. It is opposite the Parc Central del Poblenou, a popular tourist site designed by Jean Nouvel. 

Site area =  8537 sq.m

Height restriction =  10 metres

Maximum FAR: 1

Ground coverage = 50%

Setbacks (as per CAD plan)

Coordinates = 41°24'26.8"N 2°11'53.8"E

PROGRAMMATIC OUTLINE

The following programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design programme. 

Spaces for leisure: 30 hotel rooms, spas

Spaces to recreate: exhibition hall, gallery, restaurants, cafes

Spaces to work: conference hall, workshops, studios (indoor/outdoor)

Administration and Services

Open areas such as courtyards, gardens, open-air theatre, and so on can be incorporated as per the participant’s requirements.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Hotel de Arte | Hospitality Building Competition on UNI | About

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Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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'Bright': Architecture Competition seeks ideas and projects Photography challenge to picture light and space held by UNI

PICTURING ARCHITECTURE

Mounted is a part of Uni devising opportunities for Photographers to reflect their ideas, thoughts, and interpretations of capturing the real world through digital lenses. The forum allows enthusiasts and professionals from the world over to share their outstanding bodies of work. Picturing Awards - aims to promote photography and photographers. Our idea is to create new opportunities to present valuable work to audiences all over the world. We aim to build a place where photographers can show different points of view and thrive through online exchanges. The winners of the Professional and Student categories will receive rewards and cash prizes. Our judging panel will comprise highly acclaimed industry professionals, including gallery owners, publishers, editors, and renowned photographers. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in one of the most prestigious photography contests in 2021.

TRANSFORMATION OF SPACES THROUGH LIGHT

Vision is the primary sense that is employed in architecture. The form, textures, color, the aesthetics, are all captured through the light in the space. Light, in its raw form, paints a picture guiding the journey of the user and their well-being. Light has the power to influence our emotions, cognition, and perception of a space. The effective use of light in any design can elevate its spatial experience. Light and shadows can create dynamism in a static setting. The depth perception is altered with various elements and the imaginative use of light in spaces can increase the interaction between space and its users.

The brief/theme of the challenge is to make a picture story of light and how it transforms an architectural space, using not more than 8 images – along with a concept note. This concept note can be added in the journal section that covers a description of your picture story.

OBJECTIVES

1. Submit a set of 8 (Max) pictures or less to deliver a photo story. 2. Each image should be less than 10MB and 2800px x 3500 px size, portrait, or landscape. 3. Title and subtitle of the project on the project page. 4. A concept note of about 250 words in the journal section. 5. Both items are in sync with the theme of streets.

MEDIUM

Any kind of camera is permitted, from phones to DSLRs. The photos can be retouched in lightroom however, photoshopping certain elements or lassoed graphics are not allowed.

ELIGIBILITY

Our photography competitions are open to photographers worldwide. Professionals and amateurs of any age are eligible to enter. We do, however, require that individuals under the age of 18 years obtain guardian consent before submitting.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Bright | Photography Competition on UNI | About

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Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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UNI announces ‘Urban Play’ — Architecture Competition to  Landscape challenge to re-imagine public squares in Glasgow, Scotland — UNI.xyz

PUBLIC SPACE: A MEDIUM TO GENERATE COMMUNITY

People are connected to the city through the meaningful exchanges and opportunities that they offer.

The potential for creating such a dialogue is vested in the public spaces of a city. Public spaces stimulate interaction among people, creating a sense of care and belonging.

Public squares are an important part of the social fabric of any city. They are built to create or preserve collective memory, promoting social cohesion in the community.

A unique relationship between the open area, building framing the space and the experience of people in the area, exists. Historically, public squares or plazas acted as civic as well as economic centres of a city.

How can public spaces enhance the urban quality of life of the citizens?

IMPACT OF PUBLIC SPACES ON OUR WELL-BEING

The plaza is generally of a huge scale to emphasize its significance. Its purpose was to create a ground for social interaction and engagement for the public. They act as focal points of a city, providing flexible spaces for various urban activities.  Even though the concept works ideally, in theory, the pattern of use of these public spaces has been observed to be completely different than expected. The squares are overrun by traffic, owing to their location at major crossroads and increase in vehicular movement.

Agoraphobia is a common phenomenon experienced by people in these large squares. The big expanse of concrete space generates a feeling of discomfort, unfamiliarity and insecurity. People tend to pass through these squares, without having a meaningful engagement or experience.

How can we revive historic public squares?

CAN WE RETHINK PUBLIC SQUARES IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE THEM HEALTHY?

Public plazas remain inactive in the absence of events. Reanimating these spaces is essential to foster a sense of community among the inhabitants of the city. Several urban activities that are spread out throughout the city, can be concentrated around a particular square.

Brief: The challenge is to redesign a public square that changes the image of the area.

The public square will be an agglomeration of various public activities like an outdoor sports arena, an open-air theatre and a playground for children. The existing image of the square must be taken into consideration while designing the new infrastructure.  The design intends to create the ultimate pedestrian destination for the people of the city. It will be accessible to tourists and citizens alike. The public square has the potential to become an urban playground in the heart of the city.

OBJECTIVES

Concept: Design interventions must be directed to keep the public engaged in leisure, resting and recreation adding value to the public space.

Harmony: The design must establish some harmony or connection with the surroundings while having outstanding features.

Access: The spatial design must be accessible to all types of users and navigation through the layout must be easy.

Context: The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.

SITE

George Square, Glasgow, Scotland

The history of public places in Europe is rich with many squares and plazas standing as heritage pieces and event settings for past times. But the rules of public space design have evolved over the years and the focus of these spaces has to be shifted from event markers to addressing local residents' needs. The site is located in Glasgow, Scotland. The city has a high density and a huge populace from the surrounding areas to move to the city. Several urban renewal projects are part of the suburban areas in the city and public spaces are attracting more visitors every day. The site is to be a part of George Square.

It is famous for the many historic statues and greenery which is a recent addition. The square is surrounded by cultural landmarks and iconic monuments along with commercial outlets attracting many visitors to the area. The elements are a mix of the old and the new which gives the flexibility to manifest the activities of this typology. Participants have to design the intervention in 1000sqm in any part of the given site.

Site area =  10,610 sq.m

Height restriction =  3 metres

Maximum Builtup Area = 1000 sq.m

Max FAR: 1,Setbacks (as per CAD plan)

Coordinates = Glasgow G2 1DH, United Kingdom

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Urban Play | Landscape Design Competition on UNI | About

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Originally published at https://uni.xyz.