FAQ
What is the RFQ process?
Teams of 2-4 graduate students or recent graduates in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or related disciplines are free to self-organize and apply here. All group members should upload combined resume and portfolio pdfs here. Portfolios should not exceed 5mb.
The developer and competition team will review applications and select groups for participation in the competition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but all applications must be received by May 20, 2019.
How do I change/edit/update my application?
Send any changes to bonitavillagecompetition@gmail.com
What happens once my team is selected?
Upon acceptance, the Bonita Village team will be in touch via email regarding exact dates and times, travel and accommodations.
Teams will be provided with additional material and documents to review in preparation for the RFP ahead of the competition.
What will the competition be like?
This competition is an ideas and master plan competition for an existing development project looking to expand. Teams are encouraged to bring feasible but radical ideas, and push the limits on what is expected from a developer.
Upon arrival to Bonita Village, teams will be introduced to the project team, the property, and region, and provided additional information about the property. With the exception of the provided meals, one-on-one feedback sessions with the developer, and short trips to nearby successful projects and amenities, teams will work on their own schedules. At the end of the competition period, teams will present their work to the development team. Upon submission of their required deliverables, $1,500 stipends will be disbursed to each team.
After departing, teams are welcome to continue to develop their proposals remotely, and resubmit their design one week following the competition to be entered to win the grand prize of $10,000 for the best proposal overall.
What will the deliverables be?
Teams must propose a master plan for the 20 acre site including condo/short term rental units, retail space, and resort amenities. To receive the full stipend, teams must submit documents to clarify and explain their plan. These include but are not limited to:
2 detailed site plans
3-4 site sections
Diagrams
3 perspective drawings
Additional drawings + inspiration images
Working 3d model
Upon submission of the deliverables, Bonita Village and 3BL Ventures will receive the rights to the deliverables and concepts generated as part of the competition.
What kind of design guidelines will there be?
The development team knows the property intimately (the principal lives on site!), and we have a good understanding for the local real estate market and zoning regulations. The goal of this competition is to come up with new ideas for how to organize and develop the site. To that extent, beyond placing additional condo units, retail space, and resort amenities on the site, teams should consider how best to organize the development, and what else should be added.
We also understand the impacts that global warming will have on our beach-adjacent property; teams will be asked to consider designs that take rising sea levels into account. We also expect the driverless car industry to boom coincident with the end of our development (5+ years); so teams will be asked to consider how the site would work without parking at all. Upon acceptance, teams will be provided with a full brief (RFP - request for proposals). This RFP will include all assumptions groups should make and will outline the basic financial model so teams understand how the financing mechanism works.
What kind of documentation will we be provided?
Upon acceptance, teams will be provided with as much information as we have available - plans for existing and proposed buildings, site documentations, site photos, existing Pinterest boards, and a base 3d model.
What kind of deliverables do we need to produce?
That is entirely up to you, and how you want to communicate your ideas for the site. This is an ideas competition, and submissions will be judged on the content of the proposal, not the quality or detail of the drawings.
Will I be able to use this competition in my portfolio?
Yes. Although Bonita Village and 3BL Ventures will retain the rights to the deliverables produced as part of this competition, teams are free to use any images or drawings produced for non-commercial purposes including in design portfolios.
What are you looking for in a team?
We don’t have any particular traits in mind, nor do we require teams to have specific knowledge about development or real estate. However, we want teams that have the capability to think outside of the box but can demonstrate an understanding of the feasibility behind an actual design project. Teams need not have worked together previously, but the development team will not tolerate issues within teams during the competition. Teams with diversity in background, skill sets, and identities are encouraged to apply. A high level of knowledge of design is expected; teams currently in graduate degree programs or recent graduates are preferred. Individuals who wish to participate alone should contact bonitavillagecompetition@gmail.com
Can you tell me about the accommodations?
Teams will be hosted in 2-3 bedroom units on the property itself. Typically, each unit has a master suite, additional bedroom, 2 bathrooms, and a full kitchen. Some units have a third bedroom, sofa bed, and/or air mattress. All units are professionally cleaned and laundered. All units have balconies overlooking a pool, and access to resort amenities including use of the pool and fitness center. Take a look below.
Rooms will be assigned based on availability within the resort.
What kind of supplies will be provided?
Table and chairs suitable for using computers + modeling supplies in your unit
Power/extension strips
HDMI cables to connect computers to TV in units
Trace paper
Markers
Architectural scale
Tape measure
Clear tape
Masking tape
Some pens + pencils
Post-it notes
Printer paper in both 8.5"x11 & 11"x17"
Cutting mat
Exacto knives
Sobo glue
Bristol paper
Access to a communal office printer
Something we’re missing? Please send Ben an email: bonitavillagecompetition@gmail.com
How do we get to Bonita village?
Your flights will be booked by Bonita Village. You should receive a copy of the itinerary by email, and should be able to check in online prior to the flight. Contact bonitavillagecompetition@gmail.com if you have issues accessing your flight information.
“Basic economy” type flights do not include full carry-on or checked bags. If you require a bag, you should pay online before arriving to the airport to save on the baggage fee.
Upon arrival to Fort Myers-RSW, we will arrange for you to be picked up and taken back to Bonita Village, and returned to the airport upon conclusion of your residency. Transportation while in residence will be provided, primarily by resort van.
What about food?
During the competition, the majority of meals will be provided, please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.
I have a question not listed above.
Contact bonitavillagecompetition@gmail.com with any additional questions.