IDEAS Competition

As part of the AIA 150 initiative AIA Columbus held an international IDEAS competition to raise awareness and generate dialogue for the issue of mass transit and how it affects the livability, sustainability, and quality of life in our region.

The initiative focused on creating concepts for passenger facilities that bring together a range of transportation modes focusing on three types of sites in Columbus.

Project Overview

1. The Initiative

In 2007, AIA Columbus will focus on design and share our past, present and future with central Ohio. The initiative will include:

a. our rich architectural history,
b. our professions’ current contributions,
c. and our vision for the future growth of metropolitan Columbus.

Our Past
AIA Columbus in association with the Columbus Architecture Foundation will publish the AIA Guide to Columbus in 2007. Columbus, Ohio, the largest city in Ohio, has, since its founding in 1812, been home to many impressive architectural landmarks. The AIA Guide to Columbus, highlights the architecturally significant buildings and neighborhoods in the Columbus metropolitan area. Skillfully blending architectural interest with historic significance, The AIA Guide to Columbus documents approximately 160 building and building groups and is organized geographically. Each chapter provides an opportunity to explore a special area of Columbus’s built environment.

Our Present
During the National Architecture Week in April, AIA Columbus will promote and celebrate the Columbus Honor Awards. The design criteria for the award winners will focus on AIA’s Ten Principles of Livable Communities and sustainability. The event will also celebrate the 30th year of the AIA Columbus Honor Awards with a retrospective of previous design award winners.

Our Future
Summary of the Charrette initiative - In 2007, the AIA Columbus Livable Communities Committee will implement its seventh community design charrette – North Corridor Light Rail/Multimodal Transfer Station Charrette. The charrette will focus on the future integration of light rail into the city of Columbus. Our grant request will focus on this event which will be our “gift” to our community.
The proposed light rail transit line will run along the North Corridor from downtown Columbus to the Polaris area north of the city. A multimodal transit station – where all types of transportation options would be available including light rail, commuter and local circulator buses, taxis, personal and rental autos and pedestrian circulation. Beyond providing a station that effectively and efficiently serves its function, the station will interface well with the local community and also provide an opportunity to be designed as a gateway center to Columbus. The recommendations of the light rail transit line Charrette will be incorporated into the City’s comprehensive Long Range Transit Plan.

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