MGMC

Skyscrapers are transformative icons of urban design, combining form, function, and human interaction to shape modern cities. At street level, these towering structures serve as gateways, with grand lobbies and entrances facilitating movement – while also creating a sense of place. Public amenities like cafes or shops integrate seamlessly with the urban fabric, fostering vibrant connections with the surrounding neighborhood.

As they rise, skyscrapers transition into spaces that balance exclusivity and functionality. Leisure floors in commercial and residential high-rises provide thoughtfully designed environments, offering features like outdoor terraces, fitness centers, and shared kitchens. These spaces cater to a variety of needs, from relaxation to collaboration, enhancing both individual and communal experiences.

The tower’s formal design is equally critical to its impact. Shapes that taper, twist, or cantilever showcase structural ingenuity and aesthetic ambition. Reflective surfaces like glass capture light and sky, while metal elements convey sleekness and modernity. Heavier materials like concrete, stone and masonry provide grounding and stability while wood introduces warmth and texture, offering a natural contrast. They have skin systems that change the tower’s expression and work to showcase the overall concept. Together, the form and materials create buildings that are not only functional but also symbols that represent cultural, environmental, and urban contexts. Blending progress with architectural expression.

The design of your tower must explore these ideas to achieve Icon Status. Consider its relationship to its site, how public & private spaces are expressed, and how the form pushes boundaries. Thoughtful integration of these elements can redefine the skyline and elevate the urban experience.

The Michael G. Meyers Design & Scholarship Competition is an annual event sponsored by Architecture Center Houston Foundation, AIA Houston, and local architectural firms and affiliates. This is an ideas competition with an emphasis on creative problem solving and graphic presentation.

All Houston area high school students are eligible to participate regardless of class affiliation or age. Entrants are requested to enter only once per year as a member of a team or as an individual. Teachers and Counselors are encouraged to promote this scholarship competition.

The 2025 MGMC Program and Description Guidelines can be seen here.
The 2025 MGMC Site Plan PDF and DWG Files can be downloaded here.