AIA celebrates Designing Together winner, finalists

AIA challenged architects and AEC industry creatives to turn a napkin sketch idea into a cash prize. From bus stops to national parks, the power of design was highlighted in the submitted ideas. David Zuniga, Associate AIA, was awarded a $2,000 cash prize and an Ultimate Pass to attend AIA24, June 5-8 in Washington, D.C., for reimagining the Mexico and United States border as a bi-national park.

Zuniga explains his submission:

The Mexico and United States border is re-imagined as a bi-national park that fosters collaboration and innovation, where researchers, conservationists, and the local community come together to study and preserve the unique ecosystems of the semi-arid high desert. The repurposed Corten steel of the antecedent border wall, now symbolizes a transformation from division to unity as they blend seamlessly into the landscape and facilitate interactions between people and the natural environment.

In this vision for the near future, Arizona and Sonora acknowledge the necessity of collaboration and unity to effectively address ecological challenges. By merging and acting as one, they can harness their combined resources, expertise, and cultural heritage to promote the health and resilience of the region’s ecosystems and social fabric.

Internationally, the spirit of designing together extends beyond the immediate border region to include partners from around the world. By engaging in global networks and collaborations, Arizona and Sonora can access cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, and best practices from other regions facing similar environmental issues.

This approach to design acknowledges that the future we envision can only be realized through collective effort and shared vision. When we dream together, we tap into the collective wisdom of diverse perspectives and experiences, unlocking creative solutions that transcend boundaries and inspire positive change on a global scale.

As a kid growing up in Nogales, I approached the border with nervousness and worry. By nurturing a positive relationship with our neighbors, we would empower future generations to embrace diversity, collaboration, and the shared responsibility of living with care.

Finalists were chosen based on the contest criteria of innovation, creativity, and social engagements.  Sung Bin “Tim” Son was recognized for new urban architecture in the form of bus stop canopies/umbrellas, designed to create shelter from the elements in Los Angeles where 75% of bus shelters do not have adequate shelter. See Son’s submission here. Shadia Jaramillo, AIA, Well AP,  reimagined the combination of non-renewable plastic bottles with renewable bamboo as an imaginative ways to address how can waste can be creatively repurposed.  See Jaramillo’s submission here.

Keep your napkins and scratch pads handy! #DesigningTogether will return for AIA25.