FAQs
Q: Some of the sites specify side of the right of way and some don’t. Can the shade cover the road too? like a portal? or is just meant for the pedestrians/ sidewalks? or can it be a combination as long we have emergency vehicle clearance?
A: The shade from the structure is meant primarily for pedestrians, but yes, it can cover the road like a portal so long as it complies with standard road clearance requirements.
Q: The competition brief lists three (3) unique sites. Are we to develop a solution for one site or should we illustrate the proposal on all three sites?
A: This is your choice. The competition brief calls for a modular design, so your solution should be able to work on all three sites and we expect the jurors to look at it from that perspective. As far as illustration goes, if that is something that supports your entrants then you might want to show it on all three sites. If that is something that is hard for you to completely show, then focus on just one site. We are only asking for one site plan officially.
Q: Confirming the date of submission is the September 10, 2020?
A: Yes, your entries are due on September 10, 2020.
Q: The required materials ask for a site plan does that mean one of the sites or all three sites?
A: We require one site, but you are more than welcome to show all three sites if that is important to your entry.
Q: If we have questions between now and the submittal where do we direct those?
A: You should direct those to competition website, and when we respond and when we respond we will share the questions and answers with everyone to ensure that all are operating on a level playing field.
Q: Will competition brief read one today’s meeting be provided following the Pre-Submittal?
A: Yes, the competition brief will be posted on the website and we will send the competition brief with the minutes to everyone.
Q: Are we able to replace or propose integrating existing infrastructure such as light poles, benches, trees, bike stands? Is this at our discretion?
A: Yes, it is your decision but keep in mind the competition budget. There is some interest in seeing ways that these structures could integrate these of types of things as well a cell phone chargers and other desirable amenities on downtown streets. The intention that this is a buildable object there is budget identified and we expect to see this happen, so keep the realistic nature of that in mind. Consider the fact that light poles and street signage may have to be run through Public work Dept, and their guidelines for that, so be considerate of that. Moving things will be much harder than integration of pre-existing objects. Consider fire safety and access to buildings as it relates to fire safety.
Q: What direction can you give for an importance of rain protection?
A: It comes down to how the jury looks at the entries. Shade is the primary consideration, not so much about rain. When it is raining shade isn’t the concern. The shading device is the priority. The shade structure could be porous and allows for ventilation and not close off areas. If it provides rain protection that is an added plus if it meets all the other criteria.
Q: Please clarify the 34” X 42” presentation jpg – should we have one or three each with a site plan, elevation and sections?
A: We are looking for one 34” X 42” presentation board. The competition is seeking a modular solution applicable to all three locations.
Q: Are there restrictions with height or vehicle clearance? Should we find this out in the SA ordinances?
A: Yes, there are and yes, you should. The signage standards and the CoSA UDC is a good place to start. You should carefully consider how your design impacts vehicles. It should not impact vehicles.
Q: What are the practical limitations of available air apace? Are licenses needed? Are we expected or required to stay within the public right of way?
A: It is a good idea to stay within the public right of way, particularly given the modular nature of what we are looking for. Having solutions that are specific to particular connections to specific private infrastructure isn’t a good idea. The idea is that the shade structure can be replicated not only on the three competition sites, but in other sites as well.
Air space and licensing is not necessarily within the purview of this competition. If there are air space and other licensing issues having to do with vertical issues, that is something that can be dealt with in the design phase. At the conceptual level this isn’t needed or expected.
Q: Given the modularity request, the sites demand specific solutions – do the design need to be site specific for solar orientation?
A: Good point. We are looking for good ideas this is competition and we’re looking for , Perhaps there are ways to integrate some level of modularity with pieces of those modular solutions can be articulated. That is up to you to decide.
Q: Do any of these sites have bus stops and if so, should those be addressed?
A: They should be addressed, assume that they do. VIA has a standard for how bus stops are done, but they are also open to custom solutions. The solutions that we come up with in the competition should also benefit the riders of VIA.
Q: Do all of the illustrations need to refer one of the three sites or can we use one for renderings and one for the site plan?
A: We have intentionally not been that specific in terms of what you provide. Whatever you do, make sure your entry tells a legible story to the jurors. If the renderings don’t match the site plan that be a challenge to understand.
Q: Should the 80% shade coverage be an average of the day or specific times of the day?
A: Louden stated that this question would need to be taken offline to get a solid answer. Matt Brown stated that he is not seeking 80% coverage all day long, it was more a physical manifestation of shade. Centro’s ultimate goal is to have 80% shade coverage of downtown sidewalks. The shade that is cast by buildings at peak heat hours varies from time to time of day. If we are able to achieve the 80% goal, over time is to get most of downtown’s sidewalks will be in the shade. If we are able to do that then pedestrians will have options to walk on either side of the street, depending where the shade is at the specific time of the day. We will clarify more. Trevino added that it is also the obligation of the designers in this competition to point out what is needed at different times of the days and articulate why your design shows those parameters.
