• To research, respond to and highlight the unique aspects of designing an elementary school that serves the selected site and community.
• To build knowledge about materials, products, and daylighting techniques (primarily using Kawneer architectural aluminum building products and systems) that can help earn LEED® certification points while creating a bright and fun atmosphere for learning.
• To design a sustainable facility utilizing the USGBC LEED® building standards.*
• To design a facility that uses the physical environment too support the learning process.
• To encourage the use of sustainable and universal design principles for development of both the building and site.

*While AIAS design competitions include specific building products and services like rating and credentialing programs, this should not necessarily be construed as an endorsement by the AIAS.

The designer (or team) may select any site in North America for their designs. It is requested (but not required) that students locate sites through research of school districts that are in need of or are currently working towards a new elementary school in the coming years. As the program specifies a building of at least 50,000 square feet, the city and site selected should be of an appropriate size to facilitate the new school.

Requests to alter the competition program in any way to best fit an existing curriculum may be granted on a case by case basis. Requests must be made to the AIAS prior to registration for the competition.

• Cleverness and appropriate use of Kawneer architectural aluminum building products that can also help earn LEED® certification points. A 30-35% use of glazing and entrance systems (namely Kawneer products) should be utilized and will be evaluated
• Demonstration that they have met the competition objectives (see above tab)
• Creation of an elementary school that promotes an positive presence within the community
• Response to the specific usage of the building
• Implementation of sustainable and universal accessibility design principles for development of both building and site
• Demonstration of knowledge about materials, products, and installation contributing to a sustainable and stimulating building
• Clear and easily comprehensible design
• Originality

On December 20, 2010, the award winners and honorable mentions will be announced via the AIAS Web site. The award winning entries will be displayed at the AIAS FORUM 2010 in Toronto, ON, December 29, 2010 - January 1, 2011 and at the 2011 AIA Convention and Design Exposition in New Orleans, May 12-14, 2011. A press release listing the winning projects will be sent to the schools of all participating students as well as posted on the Competition Web site.

Winning students/teams and their AIAS chapters* will receive cash prizes totaling $7,225, with with an expected the distribution as follows:

• First Place $2,500
  (AIAS Chapter: $500)
• Second Place $1,500
  (AIAS Chapter: $275)
• Third Place $750
  (AIAS Chapter: $200)
• Three Honorable Mentions:
  $500 each

*If there is not an AIAS chapter at the student’s school, the chapter prize money will go towards development of a new chapter there

All decisions of AIAS and Kawneer regarding the eligibility of participants and the validity of entries shall be final and binding. All submissions will be judged by Kawneer whose decisions and determinations as to the administration of the sponsorship and selection of sponsorship recipients are final. All submissions are the sole property of AIAS and Kawneer and none will be returned.

AIAS and Kawneer reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to cancel, or suspend the Competition. Except where prohibited by law, participation in the Competition constitutes the Applicant’s consent to AIAS' and Kawneer's and use of his/her name, street address, city, state, zip code, county, likeness, photograph, video and image, statements made by the Applicants regarding the Competition for promotional purposes in any media without further permission, consent, payment or other consideration.

Kawneer and AIAS and its respective affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, agents and employees are not responsible for late, lost, illegible, incomplete, stolen, misdirected, illegitimate, or impermissible submissions or mail; postage due mail; or any other error whether human, mechanical or electronic.