The City of Victoria is hosting a competition to brighten up Ship Point Plaza for summer 2016. Teams and individuals are being asked to submit design concepts, “to unleash the possibilities of this public space this summer, creating an inviting and memorable destination that draws people to connect with others, and take in the beauty of the harbour.”
Ship Point Plaza is located at the heart of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, roughly at the intersection of Wharf Street and Humboldt Street.
Along with the adjacent parking lot, the plaza hosts some of Victoria’s largest events and festivals, including: the Victoria International Buskers Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Jazz Fest and Blues Bash.
The rest of the year, it is currently an underutilized flat paved plaza with breathtaking views of the surrounding harbour.
The Ship Point Pop-Up Design Competition will select a team to design, build and install a temporary or “pop-up” public space “to make Ship Point Plaza a more vibrant, unique, memorable and welcoming space that will encourage people to socialize, explore and wander.”
Calling all creative types! Submit your ideas to make Ship Point pop https://t.co/DF9He3qe01 #yyj #placemaking pic.twitter.com/1Hnb4TsWBk
— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) March 23, 2016
The project is also a way to support the completion of the David Foster Harbour Pathway. Over five kilometres in length, once complete, the pathway will extend from Rock Bay to Ogden Point, and will include 11 ‘special places’ or vibrant gathering places for the community, including Ship Point Plaza.
The winning design of the Ship Point Pop-Up Design Competition will be selected by a Jury and the winning team will receive a $5,000 (CND) award and $35,000 (CND) toward the design refinement, structural engineer review, materials, fabrication, installation and removal.
Details on how to enter here. Competition closes May 13, 2016, with installation expected in July 2016.
