What is AIA Sandcastle?
For over two decades in the first part of June, Houston area architects, designers, engineers and contractors have taken their tools to East Beach in Galveston for what is considered one of the world’s largest sandcastle competitions. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsors this annual contest where some 80 teams have their eyes (and shovels) set on winning the prestigious "Golden Bucket" award.
Firms begin months in advance generating ideas, developing designs, and assigning duties. On the day of the event, the teams stretch along the beach meticulously sculpting their sand piles and working non-stop for five hours. The judging of the sandcastles is rated on originality of concept, artistic execution of the concept, technical difficulty, carving technique, and utilization of the site.
At the end of the day, everyone goes home with memories of a great day on the beach filled with fun, sun, sand, and sea.
Green Sandcastles?
The AIA is mainstreaming green at this year's Sandcastle event. In 2007, we instituted beverage container recycling with remarkable participation. The effort reduced the amount of waste destined to the landfill by diverting plastic bottles and aluminum cans to the recycling
center.
We will initiate recycling within the event teams and sponsors for larger participation in being environmentally responsible
at the beach. Waste Management is providing the recycling containers and volunteers to help make the recycling effort as smooth as possible.
For clarification purposes regarding the use of generators, please review the 2009 AIA SandCastle Rules which includes:
III SandCastle Building Equipment
1. Attention competition participants: [No Generators allowed] We are increasing our effort in being environmentally responsible by not allowing the use of generators. The concern is not only accidental spills along the edge of the beach and in the surf, but also noise and potential burns
Join us as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint.
For more information regarding the SandCastle Competition, please contact the AIA Houston office at 713-520-0155.
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