Sefaira Launches Live Performance-Based Design Competition

NEW YORK — Sefaira, a developer of performance-based design software with offices in New York and London, has announced a building design contest to challenge architects to create innovative sustainable building designs.

In the competition, participants will use Sefaira’s real-time performance analysis software as well as the 3D design tool Sketchup. The competition is open to architects and students in the U.S. and Canada to create high-performing building design.

The two-part PER/FORM Live Design Competition will begin with an online competition round followed by a live, in-person design round at the Pratt Institute in Manhattan on May 17. The top 30 designs will continue to the live competition, which will consist of three fast-paced rounds in front of a live audience. A jury of design and sustainability experts will evaluate each design based on the strength of concept, aesthetics and building performance metrics and choose the final winner.

“In our practice, we find that the most effective design is found at the intersection of poetry and performance,” said Jennifer Preston, sustainable design director with New York-based BKSK Architects, in a statement. “We envision this competition as a critical opportunity to expand the dialogue dedicated to elevating design.”

BKSK Architects has partnered with the competition as architectural partner, and The Public Society is serving as design partner.

“At Sefaira, we are all about empowering designers to realize their high-performance building vision. The PER/FORM competition is an opportunity for great designers to show-case their talents in performance-based design, and we look forward to welcoming all the contestants and to see what great designs they can create when they combine their outstanding talents with the leading edge in building design software,” said Mads Jensen, Sefaira CEO, in a statement.

Architects can register to participate in the PER/FORM Live Design Competition here. Registration is open now through April 2.