YKK AP America and The Architect's Newspaper Kick-Off Astrodome Design Competition

AUSTELL, Ga., Aug. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- YKK AP America and The Architect's Newspaper are hosting an innovative design competition to generate new ideas and designs to modernize, yet preserve Houston's famous Astrodome. The "Astrodome Reuse Design Ideas Competition" encourages architects, designers, artists and students from the city of Houston, the state of Texas, and across America to submit their concepts on how "The Eighth Wonder of the World" and the first fully enclosed, entirely air-conditioned multi-use sports stadium might be reimagined, repurposed, and reused.

"We decided to work with The Architect's Newspaper to reignite the passion and innovation behind the development of the Houston Astrodome and inspire participants to bring their best ideas and creativity forward," said Oliver Stepe, senior vice president, YKK AP America. "The Astrodome symbolizes innovation and modernism, and its preservation can extend the structure's role as a proud symbol for the region for generations to come."

"We're delighted to partner with YKK AP on this endeavor as they continue to support innovative design and industry-professionals in Texas and the southwest," said Diana Darling, CEO and co-founder, The Architect's Newspaper. "The goal of the competition is to bring the same energy, innovation, and 'can-do' spirit that motivated the dome's original construction to developing an architectural scheme that will both respect and preserve the historic structure while satisfying the new programmatic requirements."

Entrants are asked to submit a digital visualization of their proposal as well as a written description of no more than 300 words in length by Oct. 1, 2013. The entry fee is $50 for architects and other design professionals and $20 for students. Those who register by Sept. 6 will get $10 off the registration fee.

A jury of architects and educators will choose three winners and two honorable mentions. The top five entries will receive cash prizes. The first place winner will receive $2,500. Second and third place will receive $1,000 each and two honorable mentions will each receive $250.

In addition, the top three and two honorable mentions will be published in The Architect's Newspaper inaugural Southwest edition, which will be distributed at the 2013 Annual Convention and Design Expo of the Texas Society of Architects in Fort Worth. The top five will also receive a free one-year subscription to the Southwest edition.

The competition begins Aug. 28, 2013 and online registration closes on Sept. 17, 2013. The submission deadline is Oct. 1, 2013 and winners will be published in The Architect's Newspaper Southwest edition on Nov. 6, 2013.

For more information, please visit http://archpaper.com/southwest/astrodome/.

About YKK AP America

YKK AP America Inc. manufactures entrances, storefronts, curtain walls, window walls, sunshades, windows and sliding doors for office buildings, residential high-rises, schools, stadiums, shopping centers and institutional structures. All building products are manufactured in Dublin, Ga. in ISO 14001 certified facilities that operate in a sustainable manner by reducing pollution and waste. The company is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for Exceptional Leadership in Industrial Energy Efficiency. YKK AP America is based in Austell, Ga. and is a subsidiary of YKK Corporation of America, whose parent company is global manufacturer YKK Corporation of Japan. For more information, visit www.ykkap.com and follow YKK AP on Twitter and YouTube.

About The Architect's Newspaper

The Architect's Newspaper provides timely news and cultural reporting on the built environment through three regional editions—East, Midwest, and West—as well as online at archpaper.com and through a series of targeted e-newsletters. This November, AN will celebrate its 10th anniversary with the launch a Southwest edition. Focusing on the architectural community in Texas and the surrounding states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico, AN Southwest will deliver its trademark blend of topical essays, opinionated columns, project analyses, firm profiles, interviews, new products, reviews of exhibitions and books, and calendars of events in a handy and handsome full-color tabloid.

SOURCE YKK AP America