Eligible participants are students who are currently enrolled in an art, design, or construction related discipline. This includes, for example, architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, graphic design, ceramics, and related fields.

Students may submit either as individuals or as teams. Teams may include up to two people, and each team will submit one shared entry.

Part Three is an announcement and celebration of the three Student Design Competition finalists. No additional design work is required from applicants for this phase beyond what they have already submitted for Part Two.

Yes. For Part 1, only a written narrative and examples of previous work or a portfolio are due by January 12 2026. Approximately one month is provided for those materials, including time during winter break. The more intensive design work for the competition takes place after most schools have returned from winter break.

Absolutely. We welcome participation from any discipline that relates to designing and constructing a memorial for George Floyd, as long as students meet the eligibility criteria above. Please feel free to share this opportunity with programs such as construction management, urban studies, community planning, and other design and art fields.

Underground elements and excavation may be possible, but they must respect existing utilities and will be subject to final review by city engineers. It is common for projects in the public right of way to remove sidewalk panels or complete limited excavation as part of construction.

There is no fixed height limit set in advance. The final built design will need to meet city structural, safety, and accessibility requirements, which will be reviewed once the selected design is more fully developed. Memorials and sculptures in public space are often treated as structures that people may sit or climb on, so students are encouraged to think about live loads and safety in their design approach.

During the competition phase, students will work within a clearly defined site boundary and general context for the memorial plaza. Detailed engineering and code requirements, such as exact structural systems, foundation depths, clearances, and other technical parameters, will be developed and applied later in collaboration with the City once a specific design is selected and moves toward construction.