IMAGE: A design by Baltimore-based architecture studio PI.KL for a design-build competition sponsored in Dallas. Called Re:Vision Dallas, the competition slogan stated: “The Future of Cities Starts Now…One Block at a Time.”
One of the most common concerns among architects (and others) in Baltimore is the dearth of creative clients willing to take risks on buildings. I propose that the D:center becomes that client.
The D:center’s inaugural event becomes a design-build competition set on developing a prototype building or structure for vacant infill. The parameters of the competition encourage progressive environmental and economic approaches and the result is a completed building. The city would be a key partner, helping to identify the location and develop the competition structure.
To cultivate the clients of the future—and to engage the general public in a recognition of their own power to effect place through design—a strategic PR campaign will pull citizens into the mix. There will be a public component to the competition (perhaps a cash award to the People’s Choice architect team, similar to that given by the Baker Awards). Citizens are actively a part of the process and are encouraged to rethink their role in designing their city. A slogan for such a campaign could be—Meet Baltimore’s Newest Developer: You.
In this way, the D:center begins to transform the city into a lab of actionable design while also transforming the way we all relate to our built environment.
2 Trackbacks
[...] Health IT project for approximately 6-9 months with a good possibility of extension. … Meet Baltimore's Newest Developer – blog.dcenterbaltimore.com 02/23/2010 One of the most common concerns among architects (and [...]
[...] Evitts Dickinson imagines a design-build competition that would make Baltimore its own developer, and its own [...]