Calling on designers to propose a new house for the President of the United States.
On a hot day in the middle of July, 1792, an important political figure met with commissioners to review submissions to the first-ever architecture competition held in their young nation. The figure was George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, and he was reviewing proposals for an “Executive Mansion,” a key feature in Pierre L’Enfant’s master plan for the capital city. Quickly, and without hesitation, Washington selected a design put forth by an Irish immigrant, James Hoban, who had come to the newly founded United States after the Revolutionary War and established himself as an architect in Charleston. Washington was the sole juror for this competition and quickly selected Hoban’s design from only six proposals.
What if a competition was held today for the home of the president of the United States? What if designers could establish a new identity for one of the most important buildings in the United States?
CHALLENGE
Back in 1792, one person was the judge of only six proposals to determine the image of what is arguably now the United State’s most prominent house and a symbol of democracy. This competition is calling on designers to propose a new house for the President of the United States. How would the image of this iconic piece of architecture change if it were to be redesigned now? What would a new design for the White House look like today?
Designers can propose any size of building(s) placed anywhere within the boundary of the current White House grounds. Designers can use the program list from the existing house or reinterpret it for their new designs.
Designers should design as if nothing currently exists on the grounds. Other than the president’s home, there are no requirements for designing buildings and landscapes within the grounds. However, designers are free to propose additional elements if they choose to do so.
JURY
Kristy Balliet | BairBalliet
Sekou Cooke | Sekou Cooke Studio
Felecia Davis | FELECIA DAVIS STUDIO
Sarah Dunn | UrbanLab
Craig Dykers | Snohetta
Jia Yi Gu | Spinagu
Daimian Hines | Hines Architecture + Design
Jason Pugh | National Organization of Minority Architects
Nick Roseboro | Architensions
Pascale Sablan | Beyond the Built Environment; Adjaye Associates
Marc Tsurumaki | LTL Architects
AWARDS
Overall Winner
$5,000
Certificate + Press Publications
Runner Up Award
$1,000
Certificate + Press Publications
Runner Up Award
$1,000
Certificate + Press Publications
Runner Up Award
$1,000
Certificate + Press Publications
10 Honorable Mentions
Certificate + Press Publications
Director’s Choice Award
Certificate + Press Publications
Award Package: $8,000
RULES/GUIDELINES
> Teams can have up to four members.
> Participants can be from any country.
> Interdisciplinary teams are allowed, although it is recommended that at least one member have an architectural background.
> Under no circumstances can members of the jury see, review or have any knowledge of a proposal prior to the submission. Doing so will automatically disqualify the proposal from the competition.
> No company logos can be used on submissions.
> After registration teams will be provided with a 3D digital model of the current White House grounds and the surrounding city.
> This competition is an ideas competition and will not result in any realization of an actual building. Additionally, no existing conditions will be altered or removed due to this competition. Arch Out Loud is not associated with the United States Government and was not hired to run this competition.
Download the information related to this competition here.
Title
The White House CompetitionType
Competition Announcement (Ideas)Website
Organizers
Registration Deadline
May 24, 2022 11:59 PMSubmission Deadline
May 25, 2022 11:59 PMPrice
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