About the 2026 Competition-
This year’s theme, “Soundscapes in Structure,” challenged participants to design a state-of-the-art amphitheater bandshell 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.
Entrants had to respond to the site’s unique conditions, designing for a wetland retention area within MOA’s sculpture park, Marjorie Park, that required innovative structural solutions, while ensuring the amphitheater did not obstruct surrounding public sight lines. 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.
Download the Full Competition Brief
Stay tuned for our 2027 competition, which we expect to announce in fall 2026.
PICTURED ABOVE IS A RENDERING OF THE 1ST PLACE WINNING DESIGN IN 2026. "THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS" WAS SUBMITTED BY NIKKI NOLAN AND ANDREW EMERSON, REPRESENTING ARAPAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
