Project Brief

CALL FOR DESIGN PROPOSALS

For The George Perry Floyd, Jr. Memorial Competition, we are calling for submissions for a memorial that honors George Perry Floyd, Jr., the global uprising against racial injustice that followed his death, and the communities united in the ongoing struggle for racial equity.

Participants are invited to interpret and define the focus of this memorial.

Proposals may choose to :

Celebrate George Perry Floyd, Jr. the man and his life as a father, friend, and community member

Reflect on his personal history, his hopes, and the love and dreams he shared with those around him

Engage the importance, impact and the significance of the global movement ignited in his name

program

Program text space

project budget

The total estimated budget for the George Floyd Student Design Competition is $30,600. Funds will support exhibition venues, finalist stipends, printing, and honoraria for community-rooted judges. Additional costs include marketing and outreach, transportation stipends for local participants, and event expenses such as hospitality, staffing, and audiovisual services. A small allocation for awards and contingency ensures flexibility and professional quality. Each expense directly supports equitable access, community engagement, and the successful public presentation of student designs honoring George Floyd and the ongoing pursuit of racial justice.

submission requirements

PART I

10 page max 11″ x 17″ pdf – no more than 10 MB
- Cover Page
- 300-word essay description of what designing a memorial for George Floyd means to them and how does a memorial connect with the local community and its history.
- Portfolio of your creative work clearly labeling and indicating your role (if a team project).
Your portfolio should include:
- 3–5 representative projects from your academic coursework, personal design explorations, or professional/volunteer experiences.
- At least one project that shows concept development and process (e.g., sketches, models, iterations, or research informing the design).
- At least one project that demonstrates spatial thinking and technical ability, such as architectural drawings, site plans, or renderings.
- A project that reflects your ability to address social, cultural, or community themes in design.

PART II

(10 Students chosen to participate based on submission below)

300-word detailed description of the proposed design, including conceptual rationale, materials, inspiration, and objectives:
- What is the central concept behind the memorial design and how does it honor the memory of George Floyd for his family and the surrounding community?
- How does the memorial connect with the local community and its history?
- What materials and spatial elements are used to create meaningful connection with the site?

PART III

(3 Finalists who move on to the Global Competition)

Eligibility

Open to Minnesota students age 18 and above, including college, and graduate students. Submissions can be made individually or as part of a team (maximum 4 people).

Participants must be currently enrolled in an academic institution at the time of submission.

Judging Criteria

Evaluations will consider the following factors:

Judgment Framework: Principles and ideas related to creative vision, technical ability, social context, impact.

Core Criteria: Cultural context, Community Integration, Symbolism, Sustainability, Innovation, and Creativity.

Core Criteria Explained:

Social & Cultural Context

The design must engage with the history and meaning of George Floyd’s life, the events at 38th & Chicago, and the broader struggle for racial justice. It should honor George Floyd’s family, reflect the humanity of those impacted, and respond to the lived experiences of the neighborhood.

Community Integration

The design must embody community values, voices, and participation. It should feel welcoming, healing, and inviting — a space where people can gather, reflect, and connect.

Symbolism & Meaning

The design should carry strong symbolic weight, offering layers of meaning that resonate with the themes of justice, remembrance, and healing. It should be legible to the public while open to deep interpretation.

Creativity

The design should demonstrate creativity and originality, while also presenting a compelling aesthetic vision. It must balance beauty with clarity, ensuring the memorial is engaging and visually impactful.

Sustainability

The design must consider long-term maintenance, resilience, and responsible use of materials. Sustainable practices and durability are essential to ensure the memorial endures as a lasting place of remembrance.

Innovation & Feasibility

The design should push forward new ideas or fresh approaches to memorialization, while remaining realistic and buildable within the urban context of 38th & Chicago.

Project Brief – Call for Design Proposals