AIAS Student Competition

Taking the lessons learned from the strip mall designs of the 1980's and the more recent design principles promoted by community planners, cities have developed small pedestrian centers within the city that specialize in entertainment venues for adults. With a collection of restaurants, bookstores, theaters, coffee shops and small retail spaces, these entertainment centers create a small community within the whole of the larger city.

The exterior design and materials of these centers is very important due to the need to attract patrons and serve as a vibrant and visually interesting destination. Modern finishes, bright colors, cleanable surfaces and durable materials are the mainstays for these designs. Trespa panels are an ideal material both to meet the needs of the project and to allow for the design of a creative and engaging space.

Nicholas Pajerski and Matthew Conway, both juniors at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, won the competition with their design for a mixed-use complex in Kansas City, Missouri.  Their design, Modern Bebop, included a new performance complex, rehab of existing structures and the infill of new residential buildings.  The buildings included both traditional methods of Trespa panel application as well as the design of an experimental system.  Nicholas and Matthew presented their project during the opening reception for the exhibit.

Sponsored by Trespa International and administered by the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the program challenged students to learn about building materials, specifically architectural wall panels and systems in the design of an engaging and sustainable City Entertainment Center. The competition was open to any design student in North America. Total prize money was $7,675, including $2,500 for the first place winning design.

Check out an article about the event on the Lincoln Journal Star website