The Catalyst: An Art & Community Incubator

Premise
“The Catalyst: An Art & Community Incubator” competition seeks visionary proposals to rejuvenate a forgotten urban relic, transforming it into a vibrant epicenter of cultural production and community engagement. This initiative stems from a broader understanding of how underutilized urban structures, often dismissed as liabilities, hold immense potential as engines for social and economic revitalization. By envisioning a new life for such a derelict edifice, participants are invited to explore the transformative power of art and design in fostering community identity, sparking creativity, and addressing the critical need for accessible public spaces within dense urban fabrics. The competition posits that art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit but a powerful tool for social cohesion, capable of bridging diverse demographics and invigorating neglected neighborhoods through thoughtful architectural intervention, thereby catalysing true urban regeneration.

Objective
The primary objective is to meticulously design a dynamic cultural and community hub that seamlessly integrates the past with the future. Participants must develop innovative architectural solutions that responsibly preserve the historical essence of the existing derelict urban structure while boldly introducing contemporary elements and materials. The design should prioritize creating highly adaptable and open-plan spaces, crucial for accommodating a diverse range of activities, including temporary art exhibitions, hands-on creative workshops, educational programs, and spontaneous public interactions. A critical aspect of the design will be to robustly activate the street edge, transforming it from a neglected barrier into an inviting, permeable interface that encourages spontaneous social exchange, pedestrian engagement, and a palpable sense of urban vitality, drawing both residents and visitors into its embrace for communal benefit.

Site
The proposed site for “The Catalyst” is an archetypal urban infill lot, characterized by an existing, structurally sound but derelict commercial or industrial building, typically spanning two to three stories. While the exact location is open to interpretation by participants, it should be envisioned within a dense, mixed-use urban fabric, preferably in a neighborhood undergoing revitalization or with significant community needs. The lot dimensions are flexible, but generally, expect a footprint ranging between 500 sq meters (approx. 5,380 sq ft) and 1,500 sq meters (approx. 16,145 sq ft), with significant frontage along a primary or secondary urban street. The existing structure, whatever its original purpose, serves as a blank canvas and a historical anchor, demanding a sensitive yet transformative approach to its adaptive reuse, respecting its urban context and potential for robust pedestrian access.

Constraints
Participants are challenged to thoughtfully merge old and new materials, creating a harmonious dialogue between the structure’s inherent history and its envisioned future. This requires a sensitive approach to material selection, ensuring durability, sustainability, and aesthetic compatibility, while respecting the existing architectural fabric. Designs must incorporate flexible spatial configurations that can easily adapt to varying programmatic needs, from intimate gallery showings to large community gatherings, demanding innovative partitioning and furniture solutions that promote adaptability. Furthermore, universal accessibility for all users, regardless of physical ability, is paramount, requiring thoughtful consideration of ramps, elevators, and inclusive circulation paths throughout the entire facility. Sustainability principles, including passive design strategies, energy efficiency, and material reuse, are highly encouraged to minimize the project’s environmental footprint. Finally, the proposed intervention must respect its urban context, considering local building codes, zoning regulations, and the integration of public safety measures without compromising design innovation and artistic expression.

Dates and Fees
The competition officially commences with the release of this brief. The final deadline for submission of all proposals is January 25, 2025, at 23:59 GMT. Participants are strongly advised to register early to take advantage of any potential early-bird benefits or extended Q&A periods. The deadline for early registration is January 10, 2025, while the final registration deadline is set for January 20, 2025, at 23:59 GMT. A nominal registration fee of 29 USD (or equivalent in local currency) will be required per team or individual participant upon registration to cover administrative costs, support the competition’s operational expenses. All fees are non-refundable.

Submission Requirements

1. 1 x A1 Sheet: Explaining the value proposition or design (each PDF at least 150dpi, max 20 MB).
2. Optional 1–2 Minute Video: Explaining your design/concept.
3. Team Participation: Teams of 1–3 individuals allowed. Multiple registrations permitted using different email IDs and phone numbers.
4. File Naming: Final PDF must be named “team-.pdf”. Final video must be named “team- | Seek Fanatic Competition #seekfanatic”.
5. Hosting Requirements: PDFs must be shared via Google Drive/Dropbox/OneDrive with “Public Access” enabled. Videos should be uploaded as “Unlisted” on YouTube.
6. Plagiarism: All content must be original, except collages and human cutouts in renders.
7. Anonymity: No identifying information of participants or their region in submissions.
8. Logo Requirement: Include the Seek Fanatic logo at the end of the video for 3 seconds. Download logo.
9. Registration: Must be done on seekfanatic.com.
10. Team Number: Matches your order number after paying the registration fee.

Note: Non-compliance with any of the above may result in disqualification.

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Prizes & Grants

• Winner x 1 & Runners-Up x 4: Online Publication + Social Media Post + Certificate (shareable link forever)
• Participation Certificates: For all teams (shareable link forever)

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