Fentress Global Student Architecture Challenge 2017

Description

Fentress Architects, based in Denver, Colorado, announces the 2017 Fentress Global Challenge, an international design competition for young and student architects. As in years past, the theme, consistent with the firm’s expertise in airport design and aviation, is envisioning an airport of the future.

Unprecedented demand for travel and global commerce has resulted in the proliferation of airports around the world. In their short history, terminal buildings have been criticized for employing generic architectural forms that are unapologetically disconnected from their context and cultural identity. Technical complexity and functional design has often taken precedence over comfort and quality for users.

In less than a century, the airport has emerged as a new architectural typology that is as important as other large-scale public buildings such as museums, libraries, temples and courthouses. Airports are among the most complex and highly frequented transportation hubs, but they are also increasingly important places for work, commerce, recreation and culture. The rapid evolution of airports necessitates the incorporation of the latest developments in technology, design and social trends around the globe.

Started in 2011, the Fentress Global Challenge is an annual international competition created to engage young architects in the exploration of future design possibilities in public architecture. For 2017, students are invited to envision “The Airport of the Future.” The winners will gain international exposure, receive cash prizes and a paid internship at Fentress Architects.

Participants are encouraged to re-envision the terminal building in the year 2075 using one of 10 existing international airports, taking into consideration local context, technological trends, and project feasibility and passenger experience.

This is the sixth year that Fentress Architects has sponsored and administered the award, which brings a First Prize of $15,000 and a summer internship at Fentress’ Denver office; four additional winners will receive smaller cash awards.

Curt Fentress, who founded this program to promote the advancement of innovative design in public architecture, said, “The Fentress Global Challenge is an incredible way for our firm to engage with students from, literally, all over the globe. It’s been thrilling to see and evaluate the ideas of the next generation of designers.”

GUIDELINES

Participants are encouraged to re-envision the terminal building in the year 2075, taking into consideration local context, technological trends, project feasibility and passenger experience. In line with the speculative nature of the competition, participants should seek to improve every dimension of the airport terminal building. All entries should delve into one or more broad topics related to airport architecture and the future of aviation such as urbanization, globalization, technology, flexibility, security, and adaptability.

Designs must be centered on one of these airports:

• ATLANTA GA, US (ATL)
• BEIJING, CN (PEK)
• LONDON, GB (LHR)
• CHICAGO IL, US (ORD)
• TOKYO, JP (HND)
• LOS ANGELES CA, US (LAX)
• PARIS, FR (CDG)
• DALLAS/FORT WORTH TX, US (DFW)
• FRANKFURT, DE (FRA)
• HONG KONG, HK (HKG)

The submission must take into account the existing runways and land restrictions. Participants should create a new airport concept for the airports that replaces the current terminal structures.