Soundscapes in Structure: Design and Build Competition 2026

Soundscapes in Structure: Design and Build Competition 2026 is now open for entries!

The Museum of Outdoor Arts (“MOA”), based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, announces its 7th Annual National Design and Build Competition, inviting undergraduate students, graduate students and interdisciplinary teams in art, architecture, landscape architecture, design, and related disciplines to submit conceptual design proposals.

Short description

The Museum of Outdoor Arts (“MOA”), based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, announces its 7th Annual National Design and Build Competition, inviting undergraduate students, graduate students and interdisciplinary teams in art, architecture, landscape architecture, design, and related disciplines to submit conceptual design proposals.

This year’s theme, “Soundscapes in Structure,” challenges participants to design a state-of-the-art amphitheater bandshell that merges acoustic excellence with bold visual identity.

This competition represents the next evolution in MOA’s annual Design and Build Competition and challenges entrants to explore the intersection of architectural innovation and geometric harmony within the context of a live performance space.

Entrants must respond to the site’s unique conditions, designing for a wetland retention area within MOA’s sculpture park, Marjorie Park, that requires innovative structural solutions, while ensuring the amphitheater does not obstruct surrounding public sight lines.

Proposals may incorporate principles of architecture, landscape design, and sculpture, as well as programmatic features such as lighting, projection, or other sensory enhancements.

Designs must prioritize unique aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, and feasibility within a project budget of $500,000 U.S.D.

Submissions should include conceptual drawings, narratives, and a physical scale model. Winning proposals will be recognized with cash prizes and archived by MOA, contributing to an ongoing dialogue about how architecture can act as both instrument and landmark in public cultural life.

Winning entries will be announced in July 2026.

Who may enter?

The DB Competition is open to any undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled in any U.S. university (recent graduates are eligible to enter for up to one year from competition open date, post graduation). Students should be studying in the field of art, architecture, landscape architecture, design, engineering, and/or other similar programs. Entries can be submitted by individuals or teams.