A new design-build competition backed by architects and construction firms has been launched.

‘Benched’, which is aimed at students in high school and university, will entail designers, builders and students teaming together to design and create a bench, with the winning entry to be exhibited in an outdoor location in Hamilton.

The competition has been launched by Institute of Bermuda Architects (IBA), along with co-sponsors, Construction Association of Bermuda (CAOB).

The first design-build competition to be held by IBA, it is free and open to students interested in architecture, art, construction, engineering, graphic design, interior design or landscape architecture.

All teams must consist of at least one student, one design professional and one builder. At least one team member must be a member of the IBA or CAOB. Students who want to enter but do not have a team can call the IBA for help in forming a team or by the end of the registration period will be assigned to a team.

The bench must be weather-resistant for outdoor exhibition, must accommodate two to four people and must be movable but able to be fixed in place. The use of recycled materials is encouraged, but any material or combination of materials can be used. Entries will be on display for a public viewing and members of the public will be asked to vote on entries.

IBA president Krystal Rodrigues said: “‘Benched’ offers a unique opportunity for students to work with professionals and see their designs become a reality. We encourage any student who is interested in design or construction to enter and look forward to seeing what the teams create.”

Registration forms are available on http://www.bermudaslate.com and are due on June 26. Design boards must be submitted by July 10 and finished benches are due on July 24.

Krystal Rodrigues, Che Caines, leader of IBA Student Association, and Charles Dunstan, president of CAOB will judge the submissions. Fifty per cent of the points will come from the professional judges and 50 per cent will come from members of the public.

For more information or to join a team, e-mail krodrigues@bwarch.bm or call 232-6563. A list of IBA member firms can be found at:http://iba.bm/memberpractices.html and a list of CAOB member firms can be found at: http://www.caob.bm/original/mem_list.html.