I disagree with the criticism. I think it was a great opportunity for a lot of young talent to be involved in a project of that stature, get recognition for their talent,
and quite frankly, winning the competition would be quite a reward, both for the recognition and the career and financial rewards that recognition would be bring. There was a prize for winning the competition, and given the budget parameters there is a fair opportunity for just
compensation. I question whether the criticism is from people well established in the trade who would prefer that their inside connections garner them the opportunity.

no mr hanson it is not.

the fact is that pro bono competitions like this
are a bad drug in our industry.

as i wrote to Dwell Magazine --

" I am sure Bernardo Ford-Brescia of Architectonica is being paid for his design work and Heller Manus Architects is being paid to be the local associate architect. Tishman Spear is a billion dollar real estate development corporation. I am sure that they can come up with money to pay designers a fee for work on their model units.

This need to generate buzz at the expense of architects, interior designers etc. is wrong. That we as architects, interior designers etc. enable this behavior from developers and magazine editors is reprehensible and hurts our perceived value in the eyes of our potential clients.

As the founding editor of Dwell magazine who has been supportive of the innovators of modern design I am dismayed by your support of this so-called competition.

I am a design professional and charge a fee for my services. If I respond to a request for qualifications, a call for entries, or enter a competition I hope to receive the job, commission, or to recover a fee for services rendered if I am lucky enough to win the work.

Your view on the value of the design profession has been noted by me, will be communicated to the professional organizations, and will not be soon forgotten. "

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I also have not see a high profile announcement
of the "Winners" of this competition at all since
the flap on this website.

had we none of us spoke up -- there would not even have been prize money and some recognition awarded.

That's why we are upset Mr Hansen.

We are still waiting Dwell magazine...