The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) opened its 2024 Student Design Competition for entries. Architecture students can create innovative metal building designs for a new campus recreation center and sports complex to serve a student population. Prizes will be awarded to entrants in graduate and undergraduate divisions.
Lee Shoemaker, Ph.D., PE, director of research and engineering and contest organizer at MBMA, says, “Now in its fourth year, the competition has continued to grow each year and introduce metal building systems to students across the country and North America. This year’s topic is a popular one that should draw in even more competitors. Metal building systems offer an enormous range of possibilities and are in particular demand for sports and recreation facilities.”
Robert Kobet, adjunct professor at Kent State University’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design in Kent, Ohio, advised a team that won first prize in 2022.
“I am amazed about how much my students learned about putting together any building (structure, skin, mechanicals, etc.) because of this competition,” Kobet says. “It was the right size, the right program and the right time. And the MBMA team was so helpful in providing introductions, resources and webinars.”
Six prizes will be given. There is no charge for registration. Faculty sponsors are required for entrants. Individual students or teams can register at MBMA’s website. Submissions are due Jan. 6.
