About the 2026 Competition-
This year’s theme, “Soundscapes in Structure,” challenged participants to design a state-of-the-art amphitheater bandshell for MOA’s Marjorie Park that merged acoustic excellence with bold visual identity. This competition represents the next evolution in MOA’s annual Design and Build Competition and challenged entrants to explore the intersection of architectural innovation and geometric harmony within the context of a live performance space.
Proposals could incorporate principles of architecture, landscape design, and sculpture, as well as programmatic features such as lighting, projection, or other sensory enhancements. Designs had to prioritize unique aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, and feasibility within a project budget of $500,000 U.S.D. Submissions were to include conceptual drawings, narratives, and a physical scale model. Winning proposals were recognized with cash prizes and archived by MOA, contributing to an ongoing dialogue about how architecture can act as both instrument and landmark in public cultural life.
1st Place Team – $10,000
Team Members:
Nikki Nolan and Andrew Emerson
Project Title:
Through the Looking Glass
ARAPAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LITTLETON, COLORADO
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
DENVER, COLORADO
