Register for Gowanus by Design 'Water Works' Competition

On the heels of a recent vote by CB6 to halt a residential development along the Gowanus Canal in an effort for more cohesive planning, a design advocacy group is seeking submissions focused on sustainable solutions for the neighborhood.

Gowanus by Design is a nonprofit corporation proposing new concepts for the growth of the Gowanus area. Last year the group challenged architects to come up with ideas for "dynamic, pedestrian-oriented architecture that would engage with the canal and the surrounding watershed."

Roughly 188 applicants from 14 countries and 14 states submitted projects. Twenty-five of the submissions hailed from Brooklyn alone, and the winning team took home $1,000 in addition to top honors.

This year, GbD is shifting focus from land to liquid, with "Water Works" a new competition seeking a plans to remediate the water retention facility and explore "water’s role in recreation, quotidian uses, and in contaminated urban environments."

The right plan will demonstrate how a redesigned community center and retention facility represent a more progressive view of our city's infrastructure, stated a release.

Oh, and this year first prize has been increased to $3,000.

The contest is open to both professionals and students. Registration is due by October 19. Submissions are due December 14. For more information, visit Gowanus by Design.