Designers Challenged to Create Temporary Installation for Vacant Lot in SLC

From Death By Architecture –

AIA Utah announces the 2010 design/build competition--Ballet West: Fluid Adagio Installation (BWFAI), a first-time-ever joint competition initiated by AIA Utah's Young Architects Forum. Local, national and international architects and designers are invited to participate in this blind competition to create a temporary installation (estimated to be 1 to 2 years) that will occupy the future building site for Utah’s premiere ballet company, Ballet West. The project's site is adjacent to the historic Capitol Theater in downtown Salt Lake City and is currently vacant, thus providing a unique contextual setting in Salt Lake City's ever-changing urban fabric. The winner of this two-stage competition will enter into a contract with Salt Lake County and receive $46,000.00 for fabrication and installation.

The goal of this temporary installation is to create a unique spatial experience within the urban context of Salt Lake City. The objective of the project is to provide visitors with an outdoor recreational/leisure area and a much-needed refuge in an urban environment, while making the best use of the pre-existing space and available materials. The winning team must respond to the program and tight budget, and will be involved in every aspect of the design, development, and construction of the project. The broader purpose of this competition and resulting installation is to advocate quality design and encourage artistic endeavors in Salt Lake City. With this in mind, AIA Utah is providing young designers the opportunity to design and build a temporary outdoor "Adagio" or leisure space. This installation will heighten the purpose and exposure of design within the city and inspire greater design awareness by the public.