Two Canadians make shortlist for the Morph My City challenge

The shortlist for the Morph My City challenge is out, and Canada will have local representation when the winners are announced at the 2012 National Infrastructure Summit in Regina, Sask., which takes place from September 10 to 12.

Six finalists were chosen for the two urban renewal competitions that make up the Morph My City challenge – the 2040 Prize and the Greenfield Design Prize. Regina’s Ben Harack was selected as one of the finalists for his “Vision of Earth” entry; while fellow Canadian David Schaffer, a Humber College student from Toronto, Ont., was chosen as a finalist for the Greenfield Design Prize for his “Elysium” entry.

The 2040 Prize competition involves transforming the neighbourhood of Rosemont, Regina, using green technology and planning.

The winner receives a $50,000 contract; with the contract details negotiated post-competition.

The Greenfield Prize is for the best design for creating a new neighbourhood from scratch that is 100 hectares in size and has no existing systems.
The winner will receive $10,000.

Finalists for both competitions will pitch their ideas to an independent panel of experts and industry professionals.

Finalists for the 2040 Prize:
Ben Harack (Regina, Sask.) – “Vision of Earth” entry
Genevieve Cheung (New York City, N.Y.) – “Rhizome” entry 
Mitchell Reardon (Stockholm, Sweden) – “Rosemont Revitalization” entry

Finalists for the Greenfield Design Prize:
David Schaffer (Humber College, Toronto, Ont.) – “Elysium” entry
Taewook Cha (New York City, N.Y.) – “Agrarian Eco-City” entry 
Jennifer Barrett (Missola, Mont.) – “Recycle the Grid” entry

For more information on the 2012 National Infrastructure Summit and the “Morph My City” Challenge, click here.