The Contest Approaches

In the 1850s, two decades of explosive growth had produced a crisis for New York city residents, who had no place to go on their one day off.  The dearth was at its worst for poor people, who couldn't afford a street car or a carriage to go anywhere, who would pile up on the streetcorners, on curbs, on dockyards leaning against railings looking at the water.  New York had virtually no park space for its 800,000 residents ... and the city was at a loss what to do.

They purchased tracts of land north of the city and issued eviction notices to the farmers and residents there, clearing an area of 341 hectares, or 843 acres, give or take.  In desperation, New York City Mayor Wood announced a "design contest," for what would be called "Central Park."  The winners, Vaux and Olmstead, had never designed a park before; Olmstead had never designed anything.  Yet the two of them succeeded in creating what must be described as one of the most architecturally significant parklands in the world — one that continues to thrive and find new imagination among New Yorkers.

The lesson here is New York's willingness to admit that it didn't have a plan; and to believe that by creating a contest, it could inspire others to create something new and innovative.

This is MY intent with the contest I'm running, which will be announced in full on January 15th.  It's asking others do to something I cannot.  Something I don't know how to do.  And in compensation for the efforts and attempts that others would make, I'm ready to pay real money, just as New York gave to Vaux and Olmstead.

There will be three prizes: 1st, 2nd & 3rd, and an honourable mention will also be named.  1st prize will be $800 USD.  2nd Prize, $200.  And 3rd Prize, $50.  This is happening.  The money is ready.  The general rules are written and last minute negotiations on those rules are being discussed with the judges.

Five days from now, creators will learn what to do.