Central Glass has been sponsoring the Central Glass International Architectural Design Competition every year since 1966. Judged by architects renowned for expertise in their field, the competition has sparked interest among students who aspire to be architects as well as among professionals working both at architectural firms and in the design divisions of general contracting companies. The competition became an international event in 1976, when overseas entries were first invited. This global perspective is reflected in the timely and appropriate theme selected for this year’s competition - the environmental zoo.

An environmental zoo requires more than just a design for animal shelters or a collection of all kinds of animals. To achieve a sustainable global environment, consideration should be given to a symbiotic environment that includes the activities of humans with animals. It would be acceptable to propose animals shelters in accordance with this outline, and also acceptable to advance ideas about facilities wherein we may dwell together with the animals. From the standpoint of architectural design, proposals are wanted for notions of an environmental zoo that begins to make desirable relationships between humans and animals, not only as abstract proposals but also as expressions of reality.

There is no registration. All entries must reach competition office no later than 25 July (Wednesday), 2007. Visit the site for further details.