The unique competition attracted submissions from 104 teams representing 20 countries, including Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Mexico, Spain, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and more. More than 250 firms participated as part of the 104 submitting teams, with 30% of all lead architecture firms founded or owned by people of color, and 16% of lead architecture firms founded or owned by women. DEAI values were a hallmark for the vast majority of teams, championing LGBTQIA2S+, racial, and gender diversity within their Senior Leadership.
The shortlisted teams are as follows:
Adjaye Associates with KMA, Michael Boucher Landscape Architecture, Atelier Ten, and 2×4
LEVER Architecture with Unknown Studio, Chris Newell – Akomawt Educational Initiative, Openbox, Once-Future Office, Atelier Ten, and Studio Pacifica
MVRDV with STOSS, the Institute for Human Centered Design, Pentagram, Atelier Ten, and DVDL
Toshiko Mori Architect + Johnston Marklee + Preston Scott Cohen with Hargreaves Jones, Cross Cultural Community Services, WeShouldDoItAll, Buro Happold Consulting Engineers, and Arup
The four selected architect-led design teams were chosen by the museum for their creative and sensitive approach, distinctive vision, and embodiment of the PMA’s values of courage, equity, service, sustainability, and trust. Finalists stood out for their collective experience with innovative campus, civic, and cultural projects, and for their deep consideration of the unique qualities of Portland, Maine, and surrounding communities. Throughout the shortlisted teams’ submissions, an understanding of the city and region’s history, rapid recent growth, and shifting demographics was evident.
Find out more about the International Design Competition at https://www.portlandmuseum.org/competition
Image Credit: Courtesy of Portland Museum of Art.
