Schindler Award 2012 Competition site

A huge number of students and schools of architecture have applied to participate in the fifth Schindler Award “Access for All”. By the closing date of 30 April 2012,
over 1100 students from 117 European universities had applied for the students' competition, and 25 schools of architecture had enrolled for the school competition.

Participants now have until 1 August 2012 to submit their projects. Projects submitted must include a master plan, which provides a convincing answer to the
shortcomings of the site in the Swiss capital Berne, known locally as the "Schützenmatt". A key requirement is to improve accessibility into and within the area.
The winners will be announced at an award ceremony in Berne, Switzerland, on 7 December 2012.

The Schindler Award is a biennial conceptual competition for architectural students in Europe. The competition is intended to challenge young architects to bring an “Access for All” philosophy into their designs. The level of interest in the current Award suggests it has got the attention of young architects in Europe. It has also encouraged schools of architecture to integrate the topic of accessibility into their lectures.

Access is an issue for everyone. Safe and reliable mobility is one of the primary challenges facing cities today. In industrialized countries, ageing societies mean that growing numbers of people are finding it more difficult to move around because of physical barriers, inadequate signposting and a general lack of attention to accessibility in planning and design. The obstacles once experienced by «disabled» people are now recognized as problems that will affect almost everyone at some point in their lifetime.

“Access for All” is a design philosophy that envisions a built environment designed with the specific and changing needs of all its inhabitants in mind, irrespective of their age, status and physical capabilities. It goes far beyond «bolt-on» measures such improvised ramps and parking spaces reserved for special-needs drivers, and instead recognizes the urban landscape as a diverse environment where everyone – children, young people, parents, workers, the elderly and people with special needs – is able to move around freely and to share and enjoy public spaces.

Next steps
Projects to be submitted: August 1, 2012
Projects to be judged by jury of experts: September 17-22, 2012
Award Ceremony in Berne (Switzerland): December 7, 2012

Prize Money
Student Awards:
€ 5,000 for the winner
€ 3,000 for second place
€ 2,000 for third place
€ 1,000 each for fourth and fifth places

School Awards:
€ 25,000 for the highest-ranking project
€ 15,000 for the second highest-ranking project
€ 10,000 for the third highest-ranking project
€ 5,000 for the fourth and fifth highest ranking projects

The Competition Management and the Jury look forward to seeing the projects and are counting on the students for surprising and constructive proposals.

For more information please contact: Andrea Murer, Project Leader Schindler Award
phone +41 41 445 45 14, Fax +41 41 445 31 44, andrea.murer@ch.schindler.com

www.schindleraward.com