The call for entries for the 2003 DuPont Benedictus Awards, which recognize innovative and practical use of laminated glass in architecture, is now available. The competition, now entering its 11th year, has attracted a wide range of project entries from nearly 30 countries and 250 firms. It is a collaborative effort between DuPont and the AIA, with the cooperation of the International Union of Architects (UIA).

Named after Edouard Bènèdictus, a French chemist who discovered the process for laminating glass, the competition presents its winner with a specially commissioned laminated glass sculpture by artist James Capenter.

The jury will include Santiago Calatrava, Spain; Lewis Koerner, AIA, Italy; and Julie VandenBerg Snow, FAIA, U.S. They will base their decisions on the degree of innovation, breadth of application, importance of laminated glass to the building and concept, significance for the industry and public, and security enhancement to withstand or ameliorate damage from natural or manmade disasters. In addition to the DuPont Benedictus Award, the jury may also present special recognition awards in commercial, education, government, industrial, recreation, and residential categories.

Projects must have been completed in the last five years. Entries are due at the AIA on February 14, 2003.

Student competition
The awards program includes a student competition administered by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). This year's challenge, an urban bank, is available on ACSA's Web site or through the DuPont Benedictus site. The competition encourages students to incorporate new glass technology and explore innovative applications of laminated glass as a building material within a design demanding cultural expression, high security, and superior resistance to natural and manmade disasters.

Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.