From the Competition Brief:

Challenge: The proposal of this annual design competition is to focus on developing ideas for programming, designing and occupying public space. The competition seeks solutions that innovate the way we perceive and use space within the urban core.

This year's program focuses on the design of a multi-use pavilion for Lanmark Plaza in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. Landmark Plaza is an active space that hosts many outdoor events, such as the annual WinterSkate ice rink and the Ordway's International Children's Festival. These events often necessitate the rental, set-up and dismantling of stages, kiosks, ice rinks, tents, portable restrooms, table and chairs. The design challenge is to create a multi-use facility that supports outdoor events while also helping to minimze, albiet not completely eliminate, the amount of temporary structures required to support festivities.