International masonry design competition offers $30k prize

A new global design competition aimed at pushing the boundaries for traditional building materials has been launched by the International Masonry Association.

It challenges architects, engineers, students and firms to rethink the potential of masonry construction by exploring approaches to energy efficiency, resilience, sustainability and mass customisation – and offers a $30,000 (£22,200) prize.

The Innovation in Masonry Design Competition encourages the use of BIM, computer-driven design and emerging construction and manufacturing techniques, but requires all designs to incorporate brick, concrete block, tile, marble, terrazzo, stone or plaster – or a combination.

Practices can register now at www.imiweb.org/jbcaward but entries can only be submitted between November 15-30.

The competition’s judging panel includes a host of North American industry professionals, among them Alan Feltoon, who is senior director at Michael Graves Architecture & Design.