The Bohemian Flats is a historic parcel of land located on the Mississippi River’s west bank south of the I-35W bridge and directly under the Washington Avenue bridge in Minneapolis, MN. It was once a populous “shanty town” for European immigrants working in the Minneapolis flour mills. However, since the late 1950’s the site has been a grassy, open park for the city.

Thousands of people commute by the small swath of land everyday by foot, bike, car and boat. However there is no formal structure or landmark at the Bohemian Flats Park to call out to everyone passing by. This competition is seeking a solution to that problem.

By locating a small park pavilion and boathouse at the Bohemian Flats Park, the site will once again become the destination for the city’s residents and visitors. In addition to the boathouse, landscape planning and additional signage may be implemented within the design.

By utilizing vinyl building products in the design of the new Bohemian Flats Boathouse, designers will be able to ensure the building is not only cost effective, but energy efficient and resistant to the drastic climate changes, among the other benefits offered by vinyl building products. In developing an efficient and creatively designed facility, the boathouse may endure as a landmark on the river front for years to come.

Sponsored by The Vinyl Institute and administered by the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the program challenges students to learn about building materials, specifically vinyl building products and systems in the design of an efficient and creative boathouse for the Bohemian Flats Park in Minneapolis, MN. The competition is designed for architecture and design students of all levels. Total prize money is $7,675, including $2,500 for the first place winning design.

www.aias.org/vinyl