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In the 125 years since William Le Baron Jenney’s 10-story Home Insurance Building in Chicago became the world’s first skyscraper, the spectacle of soaring towers has become increasingly common wherever land is scarce, allowing cities to stack life ever taller, denser and more dynamic. Like cathedrals and palaces of the past, skyscrapers today define their cities’ identities as they shape the skyline. As the late critic Herbert Muschamp wrote of these modern wonders, “Contemporary architects reveal the inner world in the process of adorning the outer one.”

Art Knowledge News

 

WELCOME TO

MOCK FIRMS

STUDENT-BASED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPETITION

 2012 INTERNATIONAL SKYSCRAPER CHALLENGE

 

 

"VERSATILITY"

 

 

     

                               

 

THEME FOR 2012

Already, more than a decade into the 21st century, changes in technology are occurring so rapidly that one can feel like they are standing in a rushing stream of information and innovation. Yet, within the fields of architecture, construction and engineering, current economic conditions have down-scaled projects around the globe, However, in spite of the adverse financial climate which continues to hang like a gray cloud overhead, positive developments have come about in the design\build industry out of our need for better discipline in design.

 

Purposeful research and greater public awareness have brought an intense focus on sustainability, adaptability and “versatility.” Versatility is defined as having varied uses or serving many functions or capable of or adapted for turning easily from one to another of various tasks, fields of endeavor, etc. Tall buildings, for one, are being re-imagined as vertical communities with multi-use spaces and functions able to serve evolving needs and changing desires throughout its lifetime. With this in mind, “Versatility” was chosen as the theme for the 2012 Mock Firms International Skyscraper Competition.

 


 

 

Entering its 4th year, the Chicago-based Mock Firms Competition is already highly regarded on the landscape of student-based design competitions. The Mock Firms model aims to help facilitate the formation and function of simulated-architectural design firms by collegiate and secondary school students. The desired outcome is to foster collaborative and cooperative educational experiences which may better prepare participants for a workplace environment which values these and similar values. This competitive event continues to bring together some of the best and brightest talent from the U.S. and around the world. Additionally, these future design professionals are given the unique opportunity to interact with the industry's leading design\build professionals as they pitch their design concepts directly to them receiving immediate feedback and evaluation of their work.

 

Field Trip to Perkins + Will

 

THE VENUE FOR FINAL PRESENTATIONS

Chicago, Illinois will be the site of the 2012 Mock Firms Competition final presentations. The tentative location for this event is the Congress Hotel and Plaza Convention Center on beautiful and historic Michigan Avenue.

 

DESIGN OBJECTIVE

To organize a “mock” design\build firm for the purposes of conceiving, coordinating, constructing and commercializing a mixed-use tall building or single-family residence which accommodates senior-living for the appropriate designated venues.

 

 

Central Business District, Beijing, China

 

2012 PROJECT SITE

Beijing, China has been selected as the site for the Collegiate Division of the Int'l Skyscraper Challenge. One of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010, Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. It has been the heart of China’s history for centuries. It is a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads and motorways passing through the city, and the destination of many international flights to China.

 

In the early 21st century, Beijing has witnessed tremendous growth of new building constructions, exhibiting various modern styles from international designers. A mixture of both old and new styles of architecture can be seen at the 798 Art Zone, which mixes 1950s design with the new. The area of the Beijing Central Business District (also Beijing Financial Street) is identified as the city's new central business district, and is home to a variety of corporate regional headquarters, shopping precincts, and high-end housing. It is noticeably more modern with its architectural forms than the traditional architecture of imperial China, perhaps best exemplified by the massive Tian'anmen, which remains the People's Republic of China's trademark edifice, the Forbidden City, the Imperial Ancestral Temple and the Temple of Heaven.

Excerpts from Wikipedia

 

PRIZE DESIGNATION

Finally, participants strive for excellence in the hopes of being designated the Top Mock Firm of the Year taking home a minimum $1000 prize. Equivalent winning designations include but may not be limited to the following:

 

 

Honors/Awards

Top Marketing Firm

Top Project Design and Construction

Top Firm Organization

Top American Mock Firm

Top European Mock Firm

Top International Mock Firm

 

 

PREVIOUS YEAR RESULTS

Nearly 40 registered student-firms

Over 100 individual participants

Over 20 academic institutions

From 4 countries

Over $2,000 in prizes awarded

 

 

FACULTY & ADMIN - AVAILABILITY FOR STUDIO DESIGN PROJECT

If you are administrating or instructing studio classes within your school or college of architecture, consider utilizing the design criteria for the 2012 International Skyscraper Challenge as a semester studio assignment. In addition to the benefit of availing yourself to this ready-made design brief, your class can benefit from the measurement against the best among their peers as well as the rare personal evaluation of their work from leaders in design profession.

 

 

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE & COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS -

CONSIDER COMPETITION FOR INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECT

Undergrad and graduate architecture students take this opportunity to put your talents and abilities into the marketplace through participating in this years' International Skyscraper Challenge. In utilizing the 2012 Mock Firms Competition as a classroom studio, independent study project or a personal project among friends, you can position yourself to be recognized among the some of the world's top collegiate prospects to firms seeking to take on the best and the brightest! Take advantage today of this unique opportunity to show you have what it takes to play a meaningful role in a firm as you organize your team (firm) to advance a design project through from start to finish. Then get to experience our exclusive one-on-one interaction with the nation's top design professionals who'll advise you and your team on what it takes to get to the next level. Find a faculty sponsor and register today!  

 

CHANGES FOR 2012!

  • Firms can take advantage of an additional partner (a possible total of 5 student participants)

  • Preliminary sketches will NOT be required for registration, but are to be included in materials submitted for final presentations.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES

Mock Firms Welcomes First Time Participants!

 

American Division

Drexel University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

European Division

Higher Technical School of Architecture of Seville | Seville, Spain

 

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Entrants to the 2012 competition must submit according to stated deadlines the following:

  • Completed registration form

  • Registration fee

  • Written project proposal

PROJECT PROPOSALS


In order to qualify for participation in the Mock Firms competitions, entrants must submit among other stated criteria a project proposal. This proposal is a preliminary declaration of the scope and direction of your desired building project. We are not looking for details at this stage as we know things of this nature are to be worked through an ongoing design process. We are seeking a rudimentary approach to what kind of design team you may be looking to assemble in order to accomplish competition objectives. Additionally, we desire to gage your initial perspective on the overall scope and direction of your design concept. This report is to be viewed only as a summary of possibilities and intent and will not be used to tie any "firm" to its content in the final analysis. Our hope is that each design partner or team give purposeful thought to their plan of action even that those plans evolve into something almost entirely different from what was present at the outset. To this end, we are asking for a 1 - 3 page, 1.5 or 2x spaced brief which includes a tentative firm name, possible individual project team titles (responsibilities) needed, why you and your firm are taking on this commission, name and dominate program of your building (if it will be the skyscraper project), intentions of incorporation of sustainable principles and consultation you may seek (i.e. teacher, professors, professionals, etc). This report should accompany registration but can be sent separately up to January 6, 2012. If you will be registering later in March and would like to submit this report at that time, please email your request to info@mockfirms.org 

 

 

DATES AND DEADLINES

Note: Events and dates scheduled for listed events are subject to change


 

Late Registration Deadline - Jan 7, 2012 thru Mar 3, 2012

Video Presentations - April 14, 2012

Project Deadline for Non-attendees - April 20, 2012

Media Publication Inclusions - April 6, 2012

Project Presentation - Friday, May 4, 2012

 

 

CONTACT & MAILING ADDRESS

Send any inquiries, info to the following:


 

Please email registration and proposals to info@mockfirms.org

Materials can be sent via direct mail to:

Mock Firms

P.O. Box 3714

Chicago, IL 60654

Direct phone inquires between the hours of 7am - 7pm CST

773.410.1314 (please identify contest division and location)

 

REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW

The basic required submissions for the competition are as follows: for a more detailed description of each item, please refer to the design brief which can be downloaded below

  • Preliminary sketch (es) of the partner's initial design ideas

  • An organizational chart or description outlining the hierarchy and functions of all contributing members of your team

  • Promotional materials i.e. brochures, business cards, etc for your building project

  • Media Publication i.e. social & news announcing your participation in this event

  • A video presentation introducing your firm (all partners), location, and your project 

  • Board presentations showing plans, perspectives & sections of your building 

  •  A scaled physical model of the building and its surrounding environs.

  •  A 10 minute oral presentation selling company and building proposal which should include descriptions of materials used, architectural styling, amenities, features, innovations, sustainability and LEED design goals, creative financing, and community benefits.

       

 

ENTRANT QUALIFICATIONS

Mock Firms competitions are open to all registered or enrolled collegiate students whether undergraduate or graduate level. Qualifying institutions do not have to be accredited "design" programs but can also include community colleges and liberal arts schools. Individuals who are currently not enrolled but are not employed or interning at a design firm and are no more than 1 year removed from their last attendance or graduation date can also qualify but should seek to retain a faculty sponsor or advisor from their affiliated school. However, faculty advisors or department personnel are not required for participation. Because Mock Firms is a wholly collaborative enterprise, entrants must register a team of no less than two (2) partners, but not more than five (5) to qualify for competition.  A "firm" should consist of students from the same institution or previously enrolled at that institution at the time registration.

 

PRESENTATION PARTICIPATION

All competition registrants will be eligible to make final presentations. Multiple "firms" from a school, program or class is acceptable. Sponsors or instructors do not have to accompany student-participants. Although this event takes place over 2-3 days, project presentations will take place on only one day in Chicago, Friday, May 4. The first and last days will be scheduled opportunities to enjoy the city and architectural-related activities. However, we understand that coming to Chicago may not be a realistic option for some participants. Therefore, project materials can be sent to Chicago in lieu of your being present there.

 

 

PROCEDURE FOR NON-ATTENDEES

As previously mentioned, it is anticipated that some registrants will not be able to make the trip to Chicago for a variety of reasons. In consideration of this, we want those of you to whom this might apply to know that our determination is to make every effort to assure your project receives an equal assessment with those present. One of the ways we seek to accomplish this is to permit non-attendees the use of additional materials to help fill in the gaps which might result from not being able to vocally explain your design. Details of what the these exceptions are will be available in the Design Brief.

 

DOWNLOAD DESIGN BRIEF (AMENDED)

(Correction to be noted in the Design Brief: Maximum building footprint is not to exceed 4900 square meters)

DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM

 

 

Mock Firms Late Registration

 


 

Introducing

 

WORKING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY

Fundamental Exercises in Green Building Design

 

 

 

Bringing Our Research and Today's Industry Experts Into Your Classrooms and Organizational Meetings!

 

A new instructional video series on sustainable design. Titles in this 5-disk video curriculum include:

  • Sustainability in Focus

  • Sustainability Diversified and Applied

  • Sustainable Systems

  • Sustainable Building and Lifestyle Products

Accompanying the 4 DVD's is a data CD which contains the following:

  • A multi-question file which can be used as an exam or series quiz

  • LEED Design situations for cad programs

  • Case Studies of successful green projects

  • Images of green-related subjects

Additionally, a 46-page workbook of assignments and resources compliments the video series with ...

  • Discussion, Group & Design Questions & Projects

  • A Green Glossary & Statistics

  • LEED Charts

  • Important Standards in Sustainability

  • Online Resources

Based on the documentary Sustainable Chicago

Produced & Published by Chicago Architecture Today LLC

5-Disk Package (DVD, CD) & Soft cover Workbook, 46 pages

Retail Price $549.95 (20 additional workbooks - $699.95)

To purchase by check, designate payee as Chicago Architecture Today LLC

Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery

Available Packages

 

Refund Policy

Full refunds are available for the return of any unopened materials (video and workbook) for up to 10 days after receiving purchase. Return shipping costs will be the responsibility of the customer. Cancelled purchases will be honored if the material has not yet been shipped and if shipped, will be fulfilled after items are returned. There is a non-return policy if any part of the purchased and shipped material has been opened or used. 

 


 

MOCK FIRMS

CHICAGO 2011 REVIEW

COLLEGIATE  INTERNATIONAL SKYSCRAPER CHALLENGE

"ARCHITECTURE THAT WORKS"

 

Mock Firms Class of 2011

This past year saw our first non-attending mock firm winning the overall competition. Students studying abroad at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark (VOX) from Cal-Poly San Luis-Obispo came away with top honors with their creative submission for a tall building in Stockholm, Sweden. Overall, 10 mock firms represented 5 academic institutions from 4 countries. A number of first time participants competed including the University of North Carolina - Greensboro, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Houston, Birmingham City University - United Kingdom and Graz University in Austria. We would like to express our appreciation to all the 2011 participants for raising the bar in the quality of the work and presentations.

 

We also want to thank our distinguished jurors which included the following:

Ralph Johnson, FAIA, LEED AP, Design Principal, Perkins + Will, Chicago

Tim Brown AIA, Principal Tim Brown Architects, Studio Associate Professor, IIT, Chicago

Laura Kraft, LEED AP, Halverson and Partners, Structural Engineers, Chicago

Rene Steevensz, AIA, Principal, Studio SYM Design, PC in Chicago,

 

And a special thanks to each faculty participant!

 


Look for competition photos on our Flickr Page!


 

RESULTS FOR THE 2011 MOCK FIRMS COMPETITION

2011 International Mock FirmVOX, DIS Copenhagen

2011 International Mock Firm Runner-up+Plus, DIS Copenhagen

 

[Tied] 2011 American Mock Firm Tertia Studio, University of North Carolina-Greensboro

[Tied] 2011 American Mock Firm – Helix Design, University of North Carolina-Greensboro

2011 American Mock Firm Runner-up – Symbius, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

 

2011 European Mock Firm - VOX, DIS Copenhagen, Denmark

2011 European Mock Firm Runner-up - +Plus, DIS Copenhagen, Denmark

 

2011 Mock Firms Top Building ProjectSymbius, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

2011 Mock Firms Top Mock Firm OrganizationStudio 4D, University of Houston

2011 Mock Firm Sustainable Design Concept Cutting-Edge Architects, Birmingham City University, United Kingdom

 2011 Mock Firms Top Marketing FirmTertia Studio, University of North Carolina-Greensboro

 

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