THE DESIGN CHALLENGE
WHAT
The BUILT THAT PARK! Design Challenge consists of four distinct Design Phases, with the results of each to influence the overall design evolution of International Friendship Park, a truly binational park at the westernmost end of the U.S.-Mexico border. Learn more here.
WHEN
The four Design Phases will take place thru August, 2021, culminating in an exhibition as part of Friendship Park's 50th Anniversary observance.
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WHO
The challenge is open to design professionals and students internationally.
We encourage all other stakeholders to share your vision for the park here.
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The jury will be announced during the competition calendar. Updates will be published on this website. Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
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Innovation, originality, creativity of the design
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Potential of creating identity
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General impression and clarity of the overall concept
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The objective is to provide maximum freedom so that participants may engage in the project without constraints, in the most creative way to create a key site.
HOW
After registering, you may submit your design materials here.
Site plans are delivered via email with registration confirmation.
WHY
The Design Challenge is a component of BUILD THAT PARK!, A campaign to design a truly binational park accessible to both Mexico and the U.S., and to realize this vision through the engagement, camaraderie, and advocacy of the peoples of both nations. This Visionary Plan will remind us all that our best security with our neighbors to the south is friendship and cooperation. International Friendship Park will become a reality with your help.
HOW MUCH
Registration Categories:
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Individual Design Professional ($50 per submission)
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Design Professional Team ($100 per submission)
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Individual Student ($30 per submission)
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Student Team ($60 per submission)
You may register for as many phases as you wish, and you may submit multiple designs for any or all phases.
Each design submission requires one registration.
You must register separately for each Phase.
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with receipt with instructions for uploading your submission.
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QUESTIONS?
Please direct BTP! Design Challenge questions to James Brown, FAIA
email: jb@publicdigital.com or 619-851-4083
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PHASE 1
submission date
April 15, 2021
THE INTERNATIONAL PIER
Imagine a bi-national pier extending out into the Pacific Ocean from the westernmost edge of the proposed bi-national park. We invite your visions in this first of four design competitions that explore International Friendship Park at the US Mexican border at the Pacific Ocean. This 1,954 mile (3,145 km) border terminates at this location, a place of great beauty and great potential. There are no restrictions to the length, width, or character of this pier. It may be made of any material and be of any character. It will celebrate cooperation and can encompass any use.
PHASE 2
submission date
May 15, 2021
THE COURTYARD FOR FREE SPEECH
The courtyard is 200’ x 200’, and is centered on the international border line. It may be any distance from the sea that the designers choose. The walls may be of any height, of any material, and as porous or solid as the designer thinks appropriate. There are no programmatic requirements but any use is allowed.
PHASE 3
submission date
June 15, 2021
THE BOARDWALK
There currently exists a wonderful seaside boardwalk just inside the Mexican border. This boardwalk will continue to exist within the boundaries of International Friendship Park. Adjacent to this boardwalk are vibrant restaurants, businesses, residences and shops. All of these uses will remain within the new bi-national park. The challenge is to extend this seaside walkway to the northern edge of International Friendship Park.
PHASE 4
submission date
July 15, 2021
THE HISTORIC BULLRING
This existing structure is no longer used for the purpose of bullfighting. The structure itself is quite beautiful and the challenge is to assume a use that allows large group gatherings, concerts, lectures etc. The base can be ringed with uses on the exterior as well. The structure may be carved, covered, an otherwise modified.
PRIZES
Cash Awards
Honorable Mentions
Publication
PRIZES and PUBLICATION
For each of the 4 competitions there will be:
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One $1000 First Place award
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Two $500 Honorable Mentions
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Work exhibited as part of 50th Anniversary of Friendship Park
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Publication in a competition journal