I have a major concern regarding the announcement of architects being invited to submit designs for the EMPAC building design competition. I have not heard of any way someone in the campus community, whether it be students, faculty, staff, or alumni, can submit entries to this competition, nor have I heard any specific details of the contest. As both an RPI graduate student and a building construction professional, I feel that I should be able to apply what I’ve learned in RPI and my career for a building design competition in my collegiate alma mater. I’m sure that many might agree that excluding the RPI community from showcasing talents in this contest is not only a potential smack in the face to competent engineering and architecture students and graduates, but also a lost opportunity for the school to showcase the expertise gained from its academic programs. Furthermore, although I understand that final plans need to be approved and sealed by professional architects and engineers, the involvement of students in the design would lead to students and professionals working together on the winning design, and potential career contacts being made.

Given the above reasons, I would ask that the EMPAC design competition, and any future campus building design solicitations, be open to the campus community and be better publicized. The publishing of the address to send designs and the contest deadline would be greatly appreciated.

Richard Vehlow