Competition Details Announced for Princeton's New Kiosk Project

PRINCETON, NJ – In May, Princeton announced it would host a kiosk design competition as part of its ambitious Nassau Street Streetscape Project.

The Municipality is partnering with AIA New Jersey for the competition, seeking innovative architectural solutions for a new community information hub at the heart of downtown Princeton.

And now, the AIA NJ has released details and guidelines for completion.

The contest invites both professional architects and students to reimagine the traditional information kiosk for the 21st century, blending analog charm with digital connectivity while serving as a vital civic and wayfinding resource for residents and visitors alike.

Since 1988, Princeton's kiosks have served as informal anchors of communication and community activity throughout the downtown area. These structures have provided bulletin board space, public maps, and historically even housed telephone booths.

As Nassau Street undergoes comprehensive revitalization, municipal leaders recognize the opportunity to redesign this community fixture for the next generation.

The new kiosk will be strategically positioned at the corner of Nassau Street and Vandeventer Avenue, one of Princeton's most visible and heavily trafficked intersections. This prime location will ensure maximum community engagement and utility for residents and visitors who explore Princeton's historic downtown district each year.

Design Requirements and Vision

Participants must work within specific parameters while maintaining creative freedom in their approach. The structure must fit within a defined footprint of 14 feet by 8 feet, with a maximum height of 12 feet. Despite these spatial constraints, the design must incorporate several essential elements that reflect modern community needs.

The kiosk must include a minimum of 50 square feet of public bulletin board space, maintaining the traditional community messaging function that has made these structures valuable for decades. Additionally, designers must integrate a 24-inch by 36-inch digital touch screen that will provide wayfinding assistance and local information access.

Sustainability and durability represent core design principles for the project. All proposed materials must withstand New Jersey's varied climate conditions while minimizing environmental impact. The structure should incorporate solar and ambient lighting options.

Modern connectivity features are essential, including QR code integration and mobile connectivity options that allow visitors to access information through their personal devices. The design must also accommodate a recognition plaque acknowledging donors and sponsors who support the project.

Perhaps most importantly, the winning design should demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to accommodate evolving technologies and changing environmental or social conditions over time.

Competition Categories and Prizes

The competition features two categories designed to encourage participation from various segments of the architectural and design community.

The Professional Category is open to licensed New Jersey architects and AIA members. Architectural firms may participate under the supervision of a responsible NJ-licensed AIA member, ensuring professional standards and accountability.

The Student Category welcomes participation from New Jersey high school, college, and university students, as well as New Jersey residents studying architecture or design programs in other states. Both individual entries and team submissions of up to six members are permitted, encouraging collaborative learning and creative exploration.

The contest is being sponsored by The Bank of Princeton and Roundview Capital, the competition offers substantial cash prizes across both categories, according to AIA.

Professional category winners will receive $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place, with an additional $1,000 Public Choice Award. Student category prizes include $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place.

Timeline and Submission Process

Registration opened on May 30, with a deadline of July 16, at 12 p.m. EST. The submission window runs from May 30 through July 18, with final submissions due by 11:59 p.m. EST on July 18.

All entries must be submitted anonymously through the AIA NJ Design Awards Portal. Registration is mandatory to receive a unique registration number and access to site plans and reference materials necessary for informed design development.

Submission requirements include a 36-inch by 36-inch digital presentation board in PDF format with a maximum file size of 15MB, accompanied by a 250-word design statement. Technical documentation must include plans, sections, elevations, and assembly details, along with a primary rendered 3D view that clearly communicates the design concept.

The jury will comprise architects, Princeton municipal officials, community leaders, and business stakeholders, ensuring diverse perspectives in the evaluation process. Top finalist designs will be exhibited publicly, allowing community members to engage with the proposals and provide input.

Designing Princeton's Future

This competition represents more than an architectural challenge—it offers participants the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to one of New Jersey's most beloved communities. The winning design will serve residents and visitors for decades to come, becoming an integral part of the Princeton streetscape and community experience.

Organizers encourage participants to rethink fundamental assumptions about what a kiosk can be in contemporary public space. The ideal solution will function simultaneously as signpost, meeting place, and digital bridge, successfully blending Princeton's rich legacy with innovative approaches to community engagement and information sharing.

For complete competition details and registration information, interested participants can contact Christina Goldstein at cgoldstein@njpsi.com or download the full Competition Brief PDF through the AIA New Jersey website.

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