The American Institute of Architecture Students presents

2007 Transportation Hub Design Competition
a competition sponsored by the American Chemistry Council
and administered by the American Insitute of Architecture Students

*****CHANGE IN COMPETITION PROGRAM***** Please note that there has been a change in the competition program. In the Drawing requirements, the Building Plans, Sections and Elevations Scale has been changed to 1/32" = 1'-0".

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is pleased to announce a student competition for the 2006-07 academic year. Jointly sponsored by the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the program will challenge students to learn about materials, specifically plastics and plastic composites, and their assembly in the design of a transporation hub. Participants will build knowledge about building materials and products, sustainability, and "green" building. While open to any student, the competition is designed for advanced students. Total prize money is $7,225, including $2,500 for the winning design.

AN URBAN TRANSPORTATION HUB

The price of gasoline has been rising dramatically over the last few years. There is no end in sight for this energy crisis and so people are looking for alternative ways to get around. With highways crowded with vehicles, people are searching for ways to conserve energy and save money. Now more than ever, public transportation options have become very important to many. 

Many cities have well established transportation systems that are utilized by a large percentage of the population.  Some communities are investing in public transportation systems while others are strictly “car cities.” There is a growing awareness in all cities for the need for alternative means of transportation.   A transportation hub brings many forms of public transportation together and allows commuters to utilize various means of transportation to reach their destination. 

OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES
This document contains a program for a 125,405 GSF transportation hub for an urban area. This competition is considered an “open” competition, a specific site for the competition has not been given and participants must select their own site location. The program contains information on creating a hub that includes passenger trains, a light rail system and bus services area. Participants are welcome to select their own site location and can select a site as part of a current urban transportation system or create a hub for an area that is in need of a system hub. Thorough research on the site location, along with a comprehensive understanding of site conditions will be necessary to successfully complete this program. The program encourages competitors to develop strong ideas about sustainable design with regard to the site and building. 

All designers should consider the site and building from an accessibility standpoint. Consideration should be given to ensure that designs comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For more information designers should consult with the US Access Board at www.access-board.gov or 800.872.2253.

The objectives of this competition are:

• To research, respond to and highlight the unique aspects of designing a transportation hub that serves the selected site and community.
• To build knowledge about materials, products and assembly (primarily plastics and plastic composites) contributing to sustainable design and innovation in energy efficiency.
• To create a transportation hub that accommodates needs for all users and constituents associated with a transportation facility.
• To encourage designers to employ sustainable design and universal design principles for development of both building and site.