What is AIA Sandcastle?
For almost 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. Many of the designs are so intricate and complicated that some teams use large formwork systems, mechanized tampers, and water pumping systems. 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 a grassroots effort in
collaboration with AIA's Committee On The Environment, and the Greater Houston Area Chapter of the US Green Building Council. Public
participation was remarkable; the effort reduced the amount of waste destined to the landfill by diverting plastic bottles and aluminum cans to the recycling
center.
This year, 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.
Our goal for next year is to continue the effort in environmental responsibility by eliminating the use of fuel-powered generators used to
pump water from the surf into the sand sculpting sites.
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.
2008 SANDCASTLE WINNERS
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