Exhibition and Jury Event: May 15th

We are pleased to announce that the entries from MINE THE GAP will be featured in an exhibition at the John David Mooney Foundation in Chicago (114 West Kinzie Street), beginning on May 15th. We will mark the opening of this exhibition with a public event announcing the winners of the competition. We will follow the announcement with a panel discussion featuring the members of the competition Jury: Lynn Becker, Martin Felsen, Jeanne Gang, Robert Somol, and Antony Wood. This event will be held on Saturday, May 15th at 12noon.

See you there!

Q&A PERIOD CLOSED

The question and answer period has closed. Please read the below exchanges for more information about the competition.

Please check this page for further updates.

Good luck to all!

Q: Are other disciplines welcome?

Yes. Although the competition is intended for architects and students of architecture, those engaged in related disciplines are welcome to participate.

Q: Can we get the dimensions because we can't open the Autocad file?

We will upload a PDF site plan, to scale, to the "Download Materials" section of the competition website. This file will be available soon.

Q: Please confirm that May 3rd is the final date for registration and that all payments must be received by that date.

Yes. Registration is open until May 3rd, and your payment must be processed by that time.

Q: Is there pedestrian access on Lake Shore Drive and its link bridge on either level?

There is no pedestrian access on the upper level of Lake Shore Drive, but there is a small section of pedestrian walkway on the eastern side of the Lake Shore Drive bridge over the Chicago River. This walkway, however, does not connect to the site.

Q: It is possible to exceed the site boundary given on page 3 of the brief?

If competitors wish to depart from the given site, they assume all risks associated with disregarding the site limits indicated in the brief.

Q: Is registration open until May 3rd, the last day for submissions?

Yes, registration is open until the very last moment of the competition -- 11:59pm (Chicago time) on May 3rd, 2010.

Q: Is this competition open to all nationalities?

Yes.

Q: Is there any chance the winning proposal could possibly be built?

This is an ideas competition and we have no capacity or intent to build the winning submission, although there is of course the possibility that a given submission could attract the attention of an interested and well-funded party. This, however, is beyond the scope of this competition.

Q: Do you want drawings submitted as PDF's?

Please refer to the "Submissions" section of the competition brief for a detailed description of required deliverables and formats.

Q: Does the $50 entry fee apply per student or per entry?

The entry fees apply to a single entry. If students are working in teams, all must submit active IDs. Only one ID may be uploaded during the administration process. All others must be emailed to the same address to which you submitted this question.

Q: Are the concrete rings, visible below grade in some photos, floor slabs or beams?

As far as we have been able to determine, these rings are beams that mark what were to have been (or may still be) the several underground levels of the building. These floor slabs have not yet been constructed.

Q: Would it be possible to obtain a more detailed section of the existing foundation wall?

All available information is included in the competition documentation available for download on the competition site.

As this is an ideas competition, you may make reasonable assumptions about the nature of materials, site conditions, etc. where no detailed information is available.

Q: I am a student wishing to enter the competition with a friend who has graduated but is unemployed. Can we register as students?

In order to register a team as a student entry, all members of the team must be students and must submit copies of their current, active student IDs. As you will only be able to upload one jpg image during the registration process, please email images of the IDs of your other team members to the same email address to which you submit questions.

Q: Can I propose a design solution that ignores the hole and the structure of foundation?

To do so would be to ignore the current site conditions as described in the brief and the drawings. As this is an ideas competition, however, we do not restrict the nature of design solutions. If competitors wish to ignore the site information as presented in the brief, they assume all risks associated with this decision.

Q: Where is the "attached site plan A"?

The site plan is an AutoCAD file available for download from the "Download Materials" tab on the competition website:

http://chicagoarchitecturalclub.org/competitions/competitions.aspx

Q: Is the developer not intending on building this scheme?

Please refer to the competition brief:

Although little work has been completed on site for the past two years, the tower project is officially “on hold” and has not formally been cancelled. Competitors may thus assume either that the previous tower project is definitively cancelled, or that the site is merely to be occupied until construction resumes (the date of this hypothetical resumption of work is also open to speculation by the competitors). The nature of your proposals should, of course, reflect your understanding of how permanent you believe its occupation of site to be.

Q: What is the diameter of the foundation?

Per the drawing file, the diameter of the foundation hole is 86'-8".

Q: I inadvertently failed to register the names of my team members. How do I do this?

In the "teamid.doc" file to be submitted with your entry, you will be able to list all group members in your team. We will use this information to establish authorship.

If you registered under your name, you will be the primary contact, but not necessarily the sole author, if you list the authors differently in your "teamid.doc" file.

Q: On the southwest part of the site there is a drive or something. What is it?

A portion of a paved riverside walkway extends into the southwest corner of the competition site. You may do with it as you see fit.

Q: Should the "idea" work if they build the spire or not?

Your answer to this very question will inevitably form part of your design solution. Please refer to the "Site Definition" section of the competition brief:

Although little work has been completed on site for the past two years, the tower project is officially “on hold” and has not formally been cancelled. Competitors may thus assume either that the previous tower project is definitively cancelled, or that the site is merely to be occupied until construction resumes (the date of this hypothetical resumption of work is also open to speculation by the competitors). The nature of your proposals should, of course, reflect your understanding of how permanent you believe its occupation of site to be.

Q: I recently entered the competition, but my team is comprised of three other student members. How do I add them to the registration team?

Please send jpg images of the IDs of all other student co-authors to the same email you use to submit questions. In the "teamid.doc" file to be submitted with your entry, you will be able to list all group members in your team. We will use this information to establish authorship.

If you registered under your name, you will be the primary contact, but not necessarily the sole author, if you list the authors differently in your "teamid.doc" file.

Q: The CAD drawing details the overall height of Lake Shore Drive at the site, what is the height above ground of the lower level's under surface?

The current drawing file indicates only the lower level of Lake Shore Drive. We have corrected the drawing to include the upper level as well, and this file will be available shortly on the "Download Materials" section of the competition website. We apologize for the omission.

Q: Should the written statement be contained within the boards or as a separate companion document?

The written statement must be submitted as a companion document, but may also be included on the 24" x 36" boards.

Q: Will the presentation of the boards be based on the two landscape panels being stacked (48" x 36" panel) or set side by side (24" x 72")?

The presentation should be designed as two separate landscape boards at 24" x 36".

What other information will be provided for this competition at registration?

All available information is included in the competition documentation available for download on the competition site. No further documentation is provided after registration.

As this is an ideas competition, you may make reasonable assumptions about the nature of materials, site conditions, etc. where no information is available.

Q: We are a team of 3 students working on one plan. How can I place these other students into the account so all of our names are shown?

Please make sure to submit scans of the student IDs of all three members of your team. Per the "Submissions" section of the competition brief, the names of all team members should be listed on the teamid.doc file -- this will ensure that all members of the group will receive credit for the work submitted.

Q: Is there a square-foot limit for this project & do we have to design it as 150 storey building?

Per the competition brief, there is no square-foot limit to the project and no requirement whatsoever that your project be a tower of any kind.

Q: Does the tower have to be a residential building or can it have other functions?

Per the competition brief, there is no requirement whatsoever that your proposal be a tower of any kind, nor are there any restrictions on the kind of program you may suggest for the site.

Q: The registration fee for students is $50. If there is a team of two students, should they pay $50 each?

No. If the group of students wishes to submit only one proposal, then they need only pay one registration fee. Please note that if the team wishes to enroll as students, all team members must submit proof of current student enrollment.

Q: Are the dimensions in materials given by you measured in inches, feet or centimeters or meters?

The competition material is measured in feet and inches. Per the competition brief, your submitted material should employ the same system.

Q: Is there a limit to how many proposals you can make and would you have to pay the entry fee for each proposal?

There is no limit to the number of proposals you may submit, but each proposal requires a separate registration and fee.

Q: I have a team of Technologists and Draftspeople, but none of us are registered architects. Can we still enter the competition?

Yes. All related disciplines are welcome to participate.

Q: Is this competition open to landscape architects as well?

Yes. Landscape architects and professionals in other related disciplines are welcome to participate.

Q: Could you tell me how deep the foundation hole is?

Per the competition brief and the reference drawing file, the bottom of the foundation hole is 70'-0" below grade.

Q: Is the competition open to other disciplines besides architects, say, landscape architects or engineers?

Yes. Although the competition is intended for architects and students of architecture, those engaged in related disciplines are welcome to participate.

Q: Where can I find more detailed information on the gap, i.e.: are the column foundations actually there around the hole, etc.?

We have made available on the competition site all the information we have been able to assemble on current site conditions. Competitors should assume this information to be accurate. As this is an ideas competition, you may fill in any gaps in this information with reasonable assumptions you draw from the given documentation.

Q: Was the area around the site artificially built-up into the lake due to port/city development, or was it natural land that was carved out?

The original "natural" Chicago coastline was west of the competition site, roughly at the current North Michigan Avenue. For further information about the evolution of Chicago geography, we suggest "Chicago: Growth of a Metropolis" by Harold M. Mayer and Richard C. Wade.

Q: What is the required resolution of the PDF files?

The PDF files should be suitable for high-quality printing at full scale (24 x 36). We recommend using the "High Quality" format option for PDF conversion.

Q: I am a student but am not taking classes this semester. May I enter the competition?

Yes. Please keep in mind, however, that in order to register at the reduced student rate, you must currently be an enrolled student. Your registration would thus be at the professional rate.

Q: May architects that worked on the tower proposed for this site participate in this competition?

Yes. The competition is open to all architects and students of architecture. Past experience with previous proposals for the site does not disqualify participants as this competition is not necessarily related to those earlier proposals. Please be sure to read point 1 on the "Criteria for Evaluation" section of the Competition Brief for more discussion of this issue.

Q: As an international student, which (local) building regulations/standards should I be aware of?

As this is an ideas competition, no specific Chicago Building Code or Zoning requirements need be addressed in your proposal, but your entry should nevertheless take into account basic issues of life safety and common sense, as you would no matter the project location.

Q: May we propose bridges that span out over the river and roadway to existing paths?

The assigned site limits do not include the river or the spaces on the opposite banks or on the coastline. If competitors wish to depart from the given site, they assume all risks associated with disregarding the site limits indicated in the brief.

Q: Is there any limit to the number of team members?

No. There is no limit to the number of team members that may be involved in a single submission.

Q: I am a Doctoral candidate. May I work with others on my proposal?

Yes, team submissions are acceptable. Please keep in mind that if you plan to enter as a student team, you must submit active student IDs for all team members.

Q: There appears to be an off-ramp on the lower level of Lake Shore Drive. Is this permanent, or a construction entrance?

The access ramp, which appears in some of the site photos, was a temporary construction access ramp, and should not be considered a permanent site element.

Q: Are students from Ireland allowed to enter?

Yes. This is an international ideas competition open to all students and professionals.

Q: Are competitors expected to submit a design proposal?

As this is an ideas competition, competitors should present their proposals with whatever representational tools best explain the design intent. A list of required drawings is included in the competition brief, which can be downloaded from the competition site, or read online by clicking the preview window at right.

Q: If I do not intend to upload any materials, but still have a great idea to fill the "hole" in Chicago, will I still have to pay an entry fee?

Yes. If you wish your proposal to be considered by the jury, you must submit your proposal and entry fee per the competition brief.

Q: The submission requirements include a "written statement" -- what is this?

The written statement should explain your project and your broader intent to the jury.

Q: Is the competition deadline 3 May or 29 March?

The deadline for all questions is March 29th. You may submit your final proposals via the website at any time between March 29th and May 3rd.

The deadline for all submissions is May 3rd, at 11:59PM (Chicago Time).

Q: Is the competition open to all architects and students of the world?

Yes. This is an open, international competition for architects and students of architecture.

Q: The brief states that required drawings are to be shown at 1/16" = 1'-0". May we use a smaller scale to show more of the site and adjacent areas?

Yes. The 1/16" = 1'-0" scale may make it difficult to document certain kinds of schemes and site strategies. We have revised the competition brief to allow your choice of 1/16" = 1'-0" or 1/32" = 1'-0" for all drawings. As this is an ideas competition, the clear and complete representation of your design intent is paramount -- please use the scale that best facilitates this.

Q: Is this competition is open to international submissions?

Yes.

Q: Can two Designers collaborate under one registration number, and submit one proposal?

Yes.

Q: Can we use the land east of the highway as well?

The site boundaries of the competition do not include the land east of Lake Shore Drive. If competitors wish to depart from the given site, they assume all risks associated with disregarding the site limits indicated in the brief.

Q: Are there any restrictions for the following? Heliports, Eolic Energy Devices, Solar panels, Laws to Prevent Bird Accidents?

As this is an ideas competition, you may assume that no such restrictions exist. Please make any reasonable assumptions necessary for the development of your scheme.

Q: Where can we find information about bus stops & subway stations near the site ?

The nearest subway station, the Grand Ave. stop on the Red Line, is approximately 12 blocks to the west -- a 20 minute walk.

Several bus lines serve the site, running down Illinois Street, one block to the north of the site.

For more information about public transportation in Chicago, please see:
www.transitchicago.com

Q: Is the site part of any Chicago Green District?

No such category applies to the site.

Can you define what is ZONE Classification PD 368 or current zoning ordinances?

The PD 368 designation refers to a "Planned Development" zoning category applied to this site as part of the tower project.

As this is an ideas competition, you need not be familiar with or bound by the zoning restrictions in this Planned Development category, or with the Zoning Ordinance more broadly. You may make any reasonable assumptions about zoning necessary for your project.

Q: Can we propose a pedestrian path connection to the adjacent public lakefront, etc?

As this is an ideas competition, you may make any reasonable assumptions about site restrictions in order to realize your scheme.

Q: Is this competition blind peer-reviewed?

Per the competition brief, anonymity will be maintained at all times, until the award-winning selections have been made.

The identity of the jurors can be found on the competition website and in the brief.

Q: Do you have drawings & specifications available? Dimensions, depth, materials of construction etc.?

All available information is included in the competition documentation available for download on the competition site. The drawing files (plan and section) are measurable and they reflect the true dimensions.

As this is an ideas competition, you may make reasonable assumptions about the nature of materials, etc. where no information is available.

Competition Launch

The Chicago Architectural Club is pleased to announce the launch of MINE THE GAP - The 2010 Chicago Prize Competition.

Please use this blog to submit questions about the competition. Check back for answers.