Socrates Sculpture Park and The Architectural League of New York invite emerging designers and architects to help shape the physical setting in which the Park fulfills its role as a venue for art, creative expression, public programming, and education.
Socrates Sculpture Park, located in Long Island City, Queens, is one of the most distinctive cultural organizations in the country, with its combination of waterfront setting, accessibility, and community-based programming. As a venue for the presentation of public art, a New York City park, and an active social space, Socrates harnesses the power of creative minds to transform the urban landscape.
In earlier years the design-build competition investigated the intersection between sculpture and architecture with temporary structures that intentionally served no utilitarian purpose. More recently the competition has shifted emphasis, asking entrants to fuse form with utility by proposing designs that explore the intersection of art and architecture while also addressing and improving the conditions of the Park. Continuing this approach, the 2019 competition asks architects and designers to design and fabricate an entry kiosk that will be located at the Park’s main entrance.
Socrates seeks an innovative solution for a kiosk to mark the entry to the Park. Periodically staffed with two visitor service volunteers during large-scale events, the kiosk will serve as an information and visitor service hub and merchandise sales point. The kiosk should be functional and durable, with integral storage and signage, and moveable on a seasonal basis. The structure should not need foundations or tethering, but it should be stable enough to resist adverse weather conditions.
