Competition Questions and Answers
Q. Are we allowed to reach out to the Los Angeles Unified School District leaders with questions?
A: Please send all questions to info@architectureatzero.com, they will be directed to the appropriate person.
Q: If a new idea is added to the design, will it bring more points for our team?
A: Since this is a design competition you are free to add new ideas but there is no guarantee that the jury will award additional points.
Q: Do you have a project budget?
A: There is not a specific budget available.
Q: Can we submit materials using the metric system?
A: No, materials must be submitted in square feet, the imperial system of measurement.
Q: What is maximum number of students that can be listed per team?
A: There is no limit to the size of the team.
ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION
Q: Do we need to consider include parking?
A: Yes.
Q: Is this an ideas competition?
A: Yes, this is an ideas competition that we hope will inspire school districts throughout the United States.
Q: Can I enter as part of a team? How do I indicate this in my entry?
A: You are encouraged to enter as a team of any size. Please indicate the names of your team members in the appropriate field on the Submittable registration form. The information on this form will be used to credit all collaborators in the case of an award.
Q: Are past winners eligible to apply?
A: Yes.
Q: Are there any sanctions prohibiting entrants from particular countries?
A: The competition is open to everyone.
Q: Is there any limit to the number of people on a team?
A: There is no limit, just list all members on the design team form when you are submitting your completed entry.
Q: Is there any requirement to have an architect licensed from California on the team?
A: No.
Q: Who can register as a student?
A: Anyone who was a full-time student within the 2024 calendar year is eligible to register as a student regardless of whether they are still studying. However, teams made up of students and professionals should register as professionals.
Q: As a faculty member at a university, I am planning to have student teams register in the student category. How should these faculty or academic consultants be recognized with the competition entry?
A: Faculty members or others in the academic community assisting student teams should be listed as consultants to the project, rather than as teammates.
Q: Can I send you a scan of my graduation certificate as a proof of my student status?
A: Yes, as long as you were a full-time student during some portion 2024.
Q: Does my student ID have to be in English?
A: No, but the dates must be legible.
Q: How should I fill out the work information section on the registration page as an individual rather than as a company?
A: Simply fill in the required fields as if you are the company representative. This information is for registration purposes only.
Q: By registering for the competition will I receive additional information needed to complete the requirements of the competition?
A: No. All necessary information to complete the competition requirements can be found on the website. We will send out any updates and reminders about deadlines.
DESIGN CHALLENGE AND DOCUMENTATION
Q: I am working on the ZNE project in another location. Can I submit this project?
A: No, all entries must address the competition brief and be specific to this competition site.
Q: Is it okay to make a concept plan that stretches over the boundaries of the site?
A: Please limit the concept plans to the defined competition site.
Q: Is the Supplementary Documentation the same as the Energy Performance Documentation?
A: The Energy Performance Documentation is required. The Supplementary Documentation is optional but recommended.
Q: Can I provide a model of the site for the competition?
A: No. All requirements must be submitted digitally.
Q: I can’t find the instructions for submitting my files. How do I submit my entry?
A: All entrants will be required to create a username to log on to the registration and submission page. Full submission instructions are detailed there. If you lose your username please email: info@architectureatzero.com
DEADLINE
The submission deadline is December 16, 2024 at 6:00 pm PST.
SUBMISSIONS AT A GLANCE
SUBMISSION MATERIALS
Submissions must include the following:
Project Narrative
Site Plan
Floor Plan(s)
Perspective Drawing
Illustrated Section(s)
Mechanical System Summary
Annual End Use Summary
Monthly End Use Energy Consumption Bar Chart
Hourly Load Shapes for Energy and Emissions
Details of Renewable Energy Systems
Storage Systems
Equity Essay
Climate Adaptation Assessment Matrix
Optional: Supplemental Energy Information
1. Design Booklet File (PDF document)
All submissions must be in a PDF booklet containing the required elements detailed below. Format size should be letter sized (8 1/2 x 11 inches or A4 or 11 x 17 inches A3) in either a landscape or portrait format.
Each entry must submit a single site plan.
If you are submitting more than one perspective drawing please number the pages 4A, 4B etc.
All required elements must be included or your entry will not be accepted. File size must not exceed 40 MB.
Please do not include names of the team or firm on any part of the entry.
Number and label all pages after the cover page.
Do not include information about the design team (team names or firm names) on the Design Booklet. Indication of the design team will result in disqualification.
Remember to highlight on site plan and section drawings where and how the design has considered equity and resilience.
2. Design Team Information
Fill in the names and contact information for everyone on your project design team on the Design Team Form. Students please list your advisor. Please note this will be used for all publicity materials.
Do not list this information on the Design Booklet.
3. Student ID (if applicable):
Full-time student entrants must provide a copy of their student ID. Recent graduates must have been enrolled full-time during the 2024 calendar years and must provide official documentation of their full-time student status during those years (diploma, student ID showing date, etc.).
4. Hours Worked
Please list all team members and the hours they worked on the listed activities.
Submission Packet: Ensure that your submission packet contains all items listed above. Upload the design file here December 16, 2024 at 6:00 PM PST.
Please do not post any part of your design on social media before the winners are announced.
ENTRY FEES
Entry Fee for Architects, Engineers and Designers: $325
Entry Fee for Students and Recent Grads: $0
Entry fees are nonrefundable. Entries must be submitted digitally.
SUBMISSION POLICIES
All submissions are final.
There is no limit to the number of entries that an individual or firm may submit; however, each must be submitted separately with separate payments.
In addition to professional firms, entries from individuals or teams are allowed and encouraged. We recommend that entrants who are employed by another company review and comply with their employer’s policies in this area prior to submitting an entry. Any public announcements or references will be to the individual or design team and not to any individual’s professional affiliation.