Sustainable Housing Design Competition

The City of Providence has established the long-term sustainability of the city as one of its guiding principles. Key aspects of a sustainable Providence include improving the natural environment, preserving the character of established neighborhoods, and ensuring that there are ample housing opportunities for people of all income levels.

Description
The objectives of this design competition are to:
- Broaden public interest and awareness in green building strategies.
- Demonstrate that “green” can be affordable.
- Produce innovative and architecturally diverse home designs that complement the traditional character of Providence neighborhoods.
- Provide developers of both affordable and market rate housing with clear guidance on how to integrate energy efficiency and green building practices into the design and construction of housing units.
The winning competitor must be able to prepare construction documents that meet the permitting requirements of the City of Providence Department of Inspection and Standards, including compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.

Jury
Cynthia Langlykke (Greater Elmwood Neighborhood Services)
Lynette Widder (Rhode Island School of Design)
Roger Warren (Rhode Island Builder’s Association)
Andrew Cortés (YouthBuild Providence)
Mark Price (Northeast Region LEED for Homes Provider)

Judging Process
One-Stage, Anonymous Competition

Prize
A $2,500 award will be given for the top design in each of the following categories:
- One-Family Home-Affordable
- One-Family Home-Market Rate
- Two-Family Home-Market Rate
- Three-Family Home-Affordable
The winning designs and runners-up for each housing type will be included in a green building guide. Special recognition given to other designs by the jury will also be identified in the green building guide. The building guide will be publicized on the city’s website, and hard copies will be made available in the Departments of Planning and Development and Inspection and Standards for prospective builders. Additionally, all developers receiving financial assistance from the City or purchasing property from the Providence Redevelopment Agency for the purpose of developing housing will be encouraged to adhere to the standards in the guide, and will be encouraged to use the home designs. At the conclusion of the competition, the presentation boards for the winning entries as well as any entries identified by the jury as deserving of honorable mention will be placed on display at City Hall for public viewing.
Plans will become property of the City of Providence. The designer will be paid a royalty of $500 by the developer for each time the design is used.

Entry Fee
None

Entries
One 30” by 40” white or black presentation board and a presentation booklet (8.5 by 11 inches) in pdf format

Timetable
Announcement of winning entries: May 2008 at the 3rd Annual Celebration of Housing Breakfast

Promoter
The City of Providence Department of Planning and Development

Official Website
http://www.providenceplanning.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage...