The International Council of Shopping Centers’ (ICSC) 2010 “Future Image” Architecture Competition is challenging industry visionaries to conjure up the shopping center of the future.
This year, participants are tasked with contemplating the future impact of big-box buildings on local economies, and anticipating viable and innovative new uses for these structures in the future.
From its earliest days, the shopping center has been analyzed and improved upon by myriad individuals, inviting constructive criticism, and, ultimately, helping it attain new levels of success. All of these individuals, whether they are architects, designers, owners, or developers have inspired momentous positive change within the industry. Now, to inspire these visionaries to continue to push the envelope of shopping center creativity, ICSC is asking them to think outside the big-box by imagining new ways to position and utilize the big-box building.
Entrants will be challenged to re-envision the large-scale buildings typically occupied by department store anchors in suburban shopping centers. The competition seeks ideas for adapting these structures to new retail configurations, mixed-use, and even non-retail uses. Solutions will be judged on the following criteria:
1. Innovations that enhance the long-term viability of the shopping center.
2. Creative proposals for adaptive re-use of these structures.
3. Concepts that will complement and enhance the shopping experience.
The ICSC “Future Image” Architecture Competition is open to all architecture professionals worldwide who are also members of ICSC. Ideas aren’t limited to design and architecture, and may include any aspect of the retail continuum.