Indianapolis Monument Circle Idea Competition

WELCOME

Thank you for your interest in the Monument Circle Idea Competition! Those who have experienced Monument Circle in person recognize it as a unique place and space, one occupying the literal and figurative heart of Indianapolis, Indiana. As an "open ideas" competition, we invite participants to join us in celebration of the Circle's rich history, while appreciating the important role it continues to play in the lives of businesses, citizens and visitors alike. In doing so, we hope the competition will generate creative concepts and ideas that re-imagine this already extraordinary space, and help us envision its future as the city continues to grow, evolve and occupy a greater prominence within the state, region, country - and beyond.

INTRODUCTION

Monument Circle is the state's most recognizable and visible public space, a sight and destination recognized around the world. Indianapolis is sometimes known as "The Circle City," courtesy of Monument Circle. Often referred to locally as simply the "Circle," it lies at the heart of our state, city and Downtown. Monument Circle is where we gather to celebrate, commemorate and show our guests who and what we are. As an event city of ever-growing stature, Indianapolis is a true host to visitors from around the country and, increasingly, the world. For these reasons and more, Monument Circle is an increasingly important destination and unique public space.

At its center is the century-old Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Important sites and architecture, spanning eras, generations and styles, surround the monument, including cultural and religious institutions, hotels and businesses. Here you'll find everything from a world-class symphony orchestra and one of Indianapolis' oldest churches, to headquarters for world corporate leaders in health insurance, broadcast, finance, technology and utilities. The streetscape currently combines public art, fountains, trees, plantings, cafes and shops to welcome pedestrians while traffic flowing around the Circle adds energy and access to the experience. Monument Circle is multi-functional and accessible to vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle and even horse drawn carriage traffic. From time to time, vehicular traffic is restricted to accommodate temporary special events.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

In October 2010, Indianapolis hosted the CEOs for Cities Livability Challenge, an event in which national experts engaged in a series of conversations with local leaders to generate big ideas for cities everywhere to deliver beauty, in the form of art, good design and nature, to all citizens every day.

The visiting national experts echoed what so many local leaders have expressed Monument Circle is extraordinary and merits maximum attention, creativity and vision. These experts challenged Indianapolis to host the "Monument Circle Idea Competition."

The Monument Circle Idea Competition was established to bring ideas and inspire the community to envision Monument Circle's future. The juried international idea competition launches in March 2011 with adjudication in May and public exhibit and input in June. These ideas will be considered to inform future planning and uses for Monument Circle. It is not intended that any of the submissions would be developed as submitted. The Monument Circle Idea Competition is not limited to design. Ideas about programming, land use and activities are encouraged. It is not the intent of the Competition to permanently remove vehicular traffic from Monument Circle.

http://www.monumentcircleidea.com/