Points well taken Ms. Olsen, although things aren’t what they always seem, even in Sonoma County California. The Core Project: Ideas Competition for Sebastopol, California is the making of a volunteer group of citizens who live and work in Sebastopol. It has been a very grassroots effort looking to find solutions to the very issues you highlight, and we are now turning to the international design community for insight and inspiration. This effort has had the support of the city council all along; our local AIA chapter has also given its support, for the principles that Mr. Ray has noted. The group is also seeking support and sponsorship from the community to run the project and help fund the prize money.
From having participated in other design competitions myself, it’s the value of an Idea and the creative opportunity of giving FORM to that Idea that fuels my participation. I do it all the time, even without notoriety or money exchanged. Furthermore, and as noted by Mr. Ray, the group (including myself) hopes that the efforts and creative design ideas generated could be built. Perhaps some submission Ideas are applicable and perhaps some are not. All the same, it’s the “value of an Idea” and not just another “low bid/ cost” job that is being presented. My personal hope involves the support of my peers (the landscape architect community) to provide insight for our profession in the making of a new 21st century model. An Idea from a napkin could go a long way if the opportunity is presented to the public and the powers that be.
Lastly, all entrants, specifically merit and honor awarded entrants, will be noted and credited for their work. The Core Project has the full intention of making that a priority.
