Ames Bicycle rack contest

Posted Jun 4, 2012
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Ames Community Arts Council is sponsoring a competition for six unique bicycle racks for Ames. This project seeks to add both visual appeal and functional utility.

Ames Community Arts Council

BICYCLE RACK DESIGN COMPETITION

ARTISTS & DESIGNERS from Ames, Iowa and surrounding counties

Presented by Ames Community Arts Council

CALL FOR ENTRIES: DUE BY 5:00 PM, DECEMBER 31, 2012

INSTALL DEADLINE: May 31, 2013

Ames Community Arts Council, with the support of Main Street Cultural District,

City of Ames and Community supporters are sponsoring a competition for six

unique bicycle racks for the Ames community. This project seeks to add both

visual appeal and functional utility. The City of Ames welcomes the creative energy

of the greater community to assist in the creation of this important missing element

– the bicycle rack.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR DESIGN:

This project will emphasize the balance between form and function. The bicycle rack must be designed to withstand the outdoor elements as well as heavy recreational use. We are asking for designs in three different size groups: large, medium and small. The design for a large rack must accommodate 6-8 bikes, the medium rack: 3-5 bikes, the small rack; 2 bikes and be user-friendly for a wide range of cyclists (child-adult).

Locking points must be at least 1 inch thick and no more than 4 inches thick
Minimum gap of ten inches at the bottom of the rack to allow space for the pedal
Design must consider safety, no sharp edges or openings that would be dangerous. The design must comply accessibility standards (ADA). This means that there is no overhangs or protrusions that could be difficult for the visually impaired in the walking area
Space gaps within the design shall be larger than nine inches and smaller than three and one half inches to avoid trapping children’s heads
Base plate shall be a minimum of 3/8” thick with bolts to secure into a concrete pad
Constructed of durable materials for permanent exposure to the elements
Painting* - If color is a part of the design, finished product should be primed and painted with high quality paint or powder coated (preferred).
Fabrication will be the responsibility of selected artists/designers
Installation, including slab, will be done in coordination with the City of Ames

Designers must approach the project as a permanent installation to be installed into a concrete surface, with a minimum 10-year life expectancy (excluding paint*). Any weather-resistant, durable, non-abrasive material that can be easily maintained and does not scratch or damage bicycle frames will be considered.

All work must be safe to pedestrians and bicyclists. There must be a minimum twopoint connection between the bicycle frame and the rack. In addition, artwork must allow for at least one wheel to be secured to the rack. Most sizes and shapes of bicycle frames and bicycle wheels must be able to use the rack utilizing generic, commonly available u-locks and/or chains utilized by bicyclists.

Designs must reflect the spirit of Ames.

Also Designers must include a 4” x 6“ space for a plaque that would include the designers name and who provided the rack, ACAC and major donor(s) for each Ames Community Arts Council - Bicycle Rack Project

Title of Artwork/Rack

With funding by…….……. & …………………

BICYCLE RACKS (Phase 1) LOCATIONS:

Large racks: City Hall and Tom Evans Park

Medium racks: Main and Kellogg, Main and Douglas

Small racks: Between Douglas and Burnett on Main Street

Please see amesart.org for specific sites photos and map

DESIGN SELECTION:

The Selection Committee will be comprised of representatives from: Ames Community Arts Council, Main Street Cultural District, the City of Ames, Bicycle Advocates and Designers. This group will review all submissions.

Ames Community Arts Council reserves the right to refuse or return any bicycle rack that does not meet the given specifications or which is not in the spirit of the original accepted design.

The winning design will receive $2,250 (large size) $1,500 (medium size), $750(small size).

Each selected artist will receive 25% deposit upon return of project agreement form sent at time of selection of project and 75% balance after completion/installation.

Notification of accepted designs sent out by February 1, 2013

Questions should be directed to:

Technical/Specific Questions: Jim Wilcox, ACAC Vice President, Bicycle Rack Committee Chair

jwsknk@iastate.edu

General Questions: Barbara Walton, ACAC President

bewalton@iastate.edu

Nancy Brousard, Ames Community Arts Council Cultural Coordinator

coordinator@amesart.org Phone: 515-233-6110

Helpful Resources:

amesart.org

http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/library/details.cfm?id=6

http://www.dero.com/brochures/small_business/bike_parking_guide.pdf