Introduction to the AIA Sandcastle Building Competition
The Houston chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) hosted its annual sandcastle festival and competition at Galveston’s East Beach. This event brings together sandcastle builders of all levels, from architects to amateurs, to compete and showcase their skills. The competition is presented by 811 Call and Click Before You Dig, a nationwide system that helps prevent underground damage when digging.
The Competition Events
The main event, known as the "Golden Bucket," consists of two separate competitions. On Saturday, 20 professional teams compete, and on Sunday, teams of all levels participate. The winners receive awards, with first place getting a golden bucket, and second and third place receiving silver and bronze shovels, respectively. In addition to the Golden Bucket, there are four other events: Theme-Based Categories, Team Sign, Team T-Shirt, and 811 Presents: Most Sustainable Team.
Sustainability and Environmental Efforts
The AIA has implemented strict recycling and trash rules at the competition site. Recycling and landfill boxes are provided, and teams are responsible for sorting and disposing of their waste properly. A $100 fine is imposed on contestants who fail to follow these rules. According to Erick Cross, a representative for the AIA Houston chapter, these rules are crucial in reducing pollution on Galveston’s beaches, which is often caused by beach visitors. The AIA aims to stick to Galveston Island’s cleanliness structure and encourage teams to maintain a clean working area.
The Most Sustainable Team Event
In partnership with 811 Call or Click Before You Dig, the Most Sustainable Team event was added to incentivize teams to be environmentally conscious. Teams can earn extra points and win the award by maintaining a clean working area and using environmentally friendly production methods. CEO of AIA Houston Chapter Rusty Bienvenue stated that the institute wants to make a change and reduce the competition’s environmental impact. Previous contestants have used fossil fuel generators, which is no longer acceptable.
Community and Fundraising
The AIA aims to bring the community together through sandcastle building while raising money for the institute. The competition is open to the public, with admission fees of $25 for event-goers 13 and up, and free for children 12 and under.
Conclusion
The AIA Sandcastle Building Competition is a fun and creative event that promotes community engagement, sustainability, and environmental awareness. With its strict recycling rules and the Most Sustainable Team event, the competition encourages teams to be mindful of their environmental impact. The event raises money for the AIA while providing an entertaining experience for participants and spectators alike. By combining art, architecture, and environmental consciousness, the AIA Sandcastle Building Competition is a unique and inspiring event that benefits both the community and the environment.
