Winners of the 1 x ∞ Ideas Competition Announced

The international 1 x ∞ Ideas Competition has announced three Winners and four Honorable Mentions. Hosted by the AIA Indiana chapter, the competition had invited designers from around the world to develop ideas for an urban lot in the downtown area of Evansville at the corner of Adams and 2nd Street. This lot, known locally as Haynie's Corner, is historically significant and serves as an important anchor of the Arts District.

While there aren't specific plans underway to actually realize the entries in Evansville, the competition sees this site as a representation of a common design problem in urban areas across the U.S.

The winning entries are:

• First Place: Folded Architecture – Michael Abrams (Washington D.C.)
• Second Place: Center for Culture – Bryan Pendzinski (Denver, Colorado)
• Third Place: Sensitive Platform – Concepcion Badia & Javier Esquembre (Spain)

First Place: Folded Architecture
Michael Abrams (Washington D.C.)

"Proposal: a contemporary ART CENTER formed by a continuous folded piece (reinforced concrete) which rises from the ground. The entire building projects a sense of transparency that allows visibility of the art work being displayed and welcomes people to experience the center. In the evening, the building shines like a beacon of light, progress, and artistry. The interior houses art galleries and a theater. Towards Parrett Street, the art center walls unfold to create a stepping plaza, reminiscent of the Spanish Steps in Rome. The building’s café is placed at the highest level of the plaza and offers glimpses of the inside. Both the café and plaza provide clear views of the Alhambra Theater."

Second Place: Center for Culture
Bryan Pendzinski (Denver, Colorado)

"The Center for Culture is a prominent node in Evansville that facilitates the education of art, design, history and culture. The mission emphasizes the growth and development of the community which fosters collaboration among locals and visitors. The program is conducive to both the production of art and the presentation of art. In which the architecture transforms to achieve both of these needs. The program allows users to: meet, gather, research, create and exhibit. Contextually, the redevelopment of the block stresses the importance to improve the adjacent properties as well as the existing site. In doing so, the design creates garden views for the residents to the north, it provides a public park for community events and the design seamlessly integrates site and structure into one continuous program of interaction and experience."

Third Place: Sensitive Platform
Concepcion Badia & Javier Esquembre (Spain)

"“My concern is what happens outside the vantage point of view.” ¬─ Felice Varini ─ . Based on the three elements that characterize modern architecture, space, light and movement, the project redefines public space following the existing lines and is conceived as a permanent light-art installation with temporary experiences. The perception of the space varies depending on the user and time, and it is actively involved in the relationship building /user. The movement of the façade is based on new technologies. An application displays messages sent by users, cultural events or companies (advertising), ensuring the economic viability of the project."

All images courtesy of 1 x ∞ Ideas Competition

Check out the four Honorable Mentions in the image gallery below.