PCI calls for Design Awards entries

Source: Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Chicago

PCI is accepting entries for its 2014 Design Awards competition entries through May 19. Now in its 52nd year, the awards program recognizes design excellence, innovation, and construction quality using precast concrete.

All winning projects will be showcased at the 2014 PCI Convention and National Bridge Conference in September, and will be included in a summary feature article that appears in PCI Journal and Aspire and Ascent magazines. Throughout the past half century, the PCI Design Awards program has helped the design and construction community innovate and advance by showcasing ideas that push the envelope, overcome challenges, and improve upon existing concepts. This year’s program also focuses on how the use of precast concrete enabled a project to meet its high performance goals. Entrants are encouraged to share these details in their submittals.

Entries are accepted, free of charge, in two primary categories: buildings and transportation structures. Within each primary category there are several subcategories. Buildings examples include commercial and entertainment, institutional, housing and residential, industrial and warehouse, and custom solutions. Transportation examples include bridges (new, rehabilitated, and non-highway) and special transportation solutions. In addition to these best-in-class awards, special awards will be given for industry advancement, sustainable design, and the best all-precast concrete structure or solution.

Independent juries of industry experts will consider creativity and ingenuity in the use of precast concrete to achieve aesthetic expression, function, economy, and sustainability. The juries will also recognize excellence in design, engineering, manufacturing, and erecting. Separate juries will evaluate buildings, transportation, and special categories.

Any structure in the United States, Canada, or Mexico that has been completed within the last three years and is substantially constructed using precast concrete manufactured in a PCI-Certified or CPCI-Certified plant is eligible. Entries are made electronically and should be submitted by the architect or engineer of record. Winners will be announced in late July 2014.

Complete information including submission guidelines, can be found here. Additional information can be obtained from PCI’s Jennifer Peters at [email protected] or Brian Miller at [email protected].