For a class competition teams are assembled from schools around the Globe, and must complete an integrated AEC project.  All disciplines are involved from the beginning and must work from their respective locations around the world.

The teams were carefully selected by professor Renate Fruchter, and all teams were given very strict requirements with the same program, but different sites with very different climates.  The competition panel would present 2 awards during this 15 week project.  The DPR Product Organization Process Award was created for the team with the best project management approach for integration.  The Swinerton Sustainability Award was given to the team best able to create a cohesive green design with a focus on Biomimicry.  Our team won the Swinerton Sustainability Award.

Our main target value was to remain local in northern Nevada.  Our source of inspiration in Biomimicry came from the native pine cone.  The pine cone informed not only the formal architectural language, but led to functional development of building systems to mimic the way the Bristlecone Pine survives the harsh climate of northern Nevada.