THE MIXING MIDDLE COMPETITION Q&A’s 
Batch Two: Dec. 7, 2021

 

Q: Can you please confirm that the dwg file provided for Surrey by Urbanarium is not intended to have the property layer?  That seems like it would be an error, as the brief specifically requests treatments for single lots.

A: Each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments. The City of Surrey’s open data site is: https://data.surrey.ca/ and entrants can add the property layer.  

 

NAPKIN SKETCH #2

NAPKIN SKETCH #3

Q: Should the team name be included on the submission, or is the submission to be completely anonymous? Have team numbers been issued? Please advise what identification information should be included.

A: Team names may be used so long as they do not identify a person or firm. Teams will also be assigned numbers to use in their submissions. 

 

Q: I have been in a number of competitions where the format is simply words and drawings. Can you elaborate on the “required video”? What information is this supposed to contain and how does it help describe our proposal?

A: The video files will not be used for judging. They may be used for social media, press, an “About Here” Mixing Middle Part 2 video and exhibition purposes only after the judging is complete. They do not need to be anonymous, and so entrants may create a simple cellphone video of themselves discussing their entry, sketching, walking the site, “before and after”, etc. 

 

Q: Is the video component a requirement or suggestion?

A: It is a requirement; it does not need to be anonymous. It may be a simple cellphone video. See earlier question regarding its purpose. 

 

Q: Could you please specify what the video deliverable should cover? Is this a fly-over the entire 4 block area or more of a walk-through the proposed building(s)?

A: There is no specified content required in the video. Entrants are free to include whatever they like to support their submission. See earlier question about the purpose and use of the video. 

 

Q: Can we change the street grid? And would we be disqualified if we did?

A: Yes, you may change it. You can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: Can you confirm the submission time on Friday January 14 2022

A: End of day, 11:59p.m. on January 14, 2022. 

 

Q: In the first round of responses there seems to be some ambiguity. When asked if we could combine lots into a larger lot or change property lines or easements, the answer was no. But when asked if the space between two existing buildings could be used and changed from private owned to public space the answer was yes. Furthermore, a single building could not be built across two lots without consolidating lots. Could you please clarify what we are allowed to do in terms of modifying property lines, lot consolidation and zoning?

A: If you opt to work on two adjacent lots, then the property lines between them may be ignored and the site treated like an assembly.

 

Q: Do the selected 2 lots have to be adjoining lots with a common property line on one side? In the case of the Surrey site, could these lots be on each side of a pedestrian path?

A: Entrants may use any lots within the site that they choose, so long as they are adjoining. They may adjoin on any side. 

 

Q: Can we choose 2 adjoining sites with the back property line in common?

A: Yes. 

 

Q: Is shared drive way and common parking acceptable for the 2 lots selected?

A: Yes. 

 

Q: The received DWG for Surrey does not include the property lines. Is it possible to receive this info in a CAD version or we should trace over the maps available on the City website?

A: The City of Surrey’s open data site is: https://data.surrey.ca/ and entrants can add the property layer to their CAD drawings. Each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments.  

 

Q: Could you please clarify the boundary of the 4 blocks for the Surrey site? Is this as shown in the screenshot below?

A: The outside red boundary in that screenshot is the full site boundary for the Surrey Site. More information can be downloaded from the City of Surrey’s open data site: https://data.surrey.ca/. Beyond this, each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments.

 

 

Q: We applied as [REDACTED], however we would like to know if bringing a collaborator (external to [REDACTED]) on board is possible?

A: Team composition may be adjusted before the final submission. We will include an opportunity to update team members with the final submission. 

 

Q: Could you provide us with any additional details on what it is expected from the business plan?

A: Please see previous question in first batch regarding the business plan. The inclusion of a business plan in the submission requirements is intended to direct participants to consider a proposal’s real-world feasibility. But it is also intended to be less onerous, and require less expertise, than creating a pro forma. 

 

Q: Is there a terms of reference for a business plan or examples of what a business plan entails?

A: Please see previous question in first batch regarding the business plan. The inclusion of a business plan in the submission requirements is intended to direct participants to consider a proposal’s real-world feasibility. But it is also intended to be less onerous, and require less expertise, than creating a pro forma. 

 

Q: Business Plan – is this applicable to a lot / block scenario or does this apply to the whole master plan and the introduction of new uses?

A: The business plan refers to the one- or two-lot proposal, not the public infrastructure changes that would be driven by policy. It is not meant to be a rigorous business plan but to demonstrate the thought that the team has put toward the feasibility of their plan. 

 

THE MIXING MIDDLE COMPETITION Q&A's
Batch One: Nov. 25th, 2021

 

Q: Can we change any underground or overhead utilities, such as sewage pipes or electric lines?

A: Yes. You can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: Can we expect funding from municipalities or other levels of government during the economic feasibility study?

A: No.

 

Q: Are we allowed to combine parcels to form a larger parcel?

A: No.

 

Q: Can we ask for help and/or advice from professional urban planners or professionals from other related fields?

A: Yes. This is encouraged.

 

Q: Can we add more than one program to each building?

A: Yes.

 

Q: Is the video a required deliverable?

A: Yes. One taken with a cellphone is acceptable.

 

Q: Is the 3d digital model a required deliverable? We are considering an analog design and documentation process.

A: A digital model may be used by teams to create the deliverables, but is not required to be submitted. Please note that while the jury will want to see some visual representation of three-dimensional spatial qualities, we are removing the request for a digital model of the one or two lot design in SketchUp or similar format in the submission. Sorry about the confusion.

 

Q: Is the project site limited to one or two adjacent properties?

A: Yes but you can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: Does the proposed have to fit in the boundaries of the existing lots?

A: Yes.

 

Q: Can financing be considered from public & private investment?

A: Yes.

 

Q: Can the public-private relationship be altered? Ex. Change of property line and/or easement

A: No.

 

Q: Can the infrastructure be altered? Ex. Street profile changes or road extension or closure

A: Yes. You can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: The competition theme notes the proposed facilities to serve the families involved in the development. Can this use be extended to the larger public/community?

A: Yes. This is encouraged. You can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: Can we propose Bylaw changes?

A: Yes

 

Q: Do we have to show the possible phases of future development which might occur in all 4 blocks or rather focus on detailing the solution for the single or adjoining lots?

A: Phasing is good. The single or double lot is a requirement but you are encouraged to speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: Are the previous winning Missing Middle projects available for detailed review? We would like to avoid focusing on aspects already analyzed.

A: The Missing Middle competition publication contains the best information on this previous competition. You can find details here: https://urbanarium.org/missing-middle-competition-completed 

 

Q: Is Vectorworks acceptable for digital models?

A: Please convert to SU but also note that we are removing the request for a digital model of the one or two lot design in SketchUp or similar format in the submission.

 

Q: We have further looked into the possible solutions for the site which we have been assigned to (in Surrey) and concluded that in order to solve the major issues, we should extend the project site to 6 adjacent properties. Is it acceptable to increase the project boundary or we have to limit our proposed development to a single or maximum 2 adjacent sites?

A: Yes. You can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: What degree of detail do you expect to see in the proforma and business plan?

A: We do not require a proforma, only a schematic business plan which the brief leaves quite open-ended. As the brief states, “A schematic business plan should be submitted to show the feasibility of the proposal that would include the assumption as to whether the land would be put into the proforma at no cost, low cost or at market value.”

 

Q: Can the order of the deliverables be adjusted, or must it be in the page by page format prescribed in the submission requirements?

A: Yes, it can be adjusted.

 

Q: Is the municipal boulevard available for recommendations?

A: Yes. You can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: If we are to propose public realm improvements should we assume the current landscaping will remain the same (i.e. street trees)?

A: You can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: How should we submit our final product? Email, Dropbox, etc?

A: There will be an online submission using Dropbox or a GDrive folder. Instructions will be sent shortly to all entrants.

 

Q: Could you clarify the exact deliverables of this competition? Would the 3 jpg file be 3 different pictures/ aspects of our project? Are the raw files (InDesign file/sketch up files) be required for the submission?

A: The JPG files are for social media, press, and exhibition purposes. They may repeat the images in the PDF or video. The InDesign files may be requested for publication. We do not anticipate needing Sketchup files.

 

Q: Can we change the pre-existing building/buildings in the lots or do we have to work around them?

A: Yes.

 

Q: For the block face does that mean we can only work on one side? (i.e. make design changes only for the alley block face and not the front of the lot)

A:Yes. Only one blockface needs to be depicted but both blockfaces may be illustrated if it clarifies your ideas. You can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: Are there any gendered spaces in the Surrey neighbourhood?

A: Each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments.

 

Q: Are there any small businesses in the neighbourhood? If yes, what are the types and how are they practiced?

A: Each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments.

 

Q: Is it possible to get a plan of a typical house/lot?

A: Each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments.

 

Q: Do the existing houses in the Surrey neighbourhood have basement spaces?

A: Each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments.

 

Q: How long can our proposal, when built in real life, stay up legally

A: This is an ideas competition. Any physical manifestations of the work is beyond the scope of this competition. That said, you can imagine forever if by-law changed or until owners want to redevelop.

 

Q: Can our project be placed in stages

A: Yes. You can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: Are the 4 seasons essential in designing the proposal

A: Each proponent should clearly identify their aspirations for the work and embed their thinking into the specific design solution.

 

Q: Consideration for sound, smell, time of use part of the brief

A: Each proponent should clearly identify their aspirations for the work and embed their thinking into the specific design solution. 
 


Q: Is self built allowed by the homeowner or has to be contracted out.

A: This is an ideas competition. Any physical manifestations of the work is beyond the scope of this competition.

 

Q: Is demolishing allowed

A: Yes. Each proponent should clearly identify their aspirations for the work and embed their thinking into the specific design solution.

 

Q: Do we need to interview neighbours and owners for our project

A: No. As this is an ideas competition only, owners or residents of properties on the four sites should not be contacted by entrants.

 

Q: What proportion of commercial and residential use is suggested. Can the taxes for residential and commercial be the same

A: Each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments.

 

Q: Can we cover more than 2 properties, such as considering half a block say 5 houses

A: The single or double lot is a requirement but you can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: We are looking at a space between two neighbouring buildings. Is this ok as the property line between 2 neighbours can be negotiated and a public space created?

A: Yes. The single or double lot is a requirement but you can speculate how the proposal may impact the surrounding sites, neighbourhood, city.

 

Q: Within the context site, each entrant should select as context a blockface for their design intervention; this blockface can be the street that the existing buildings address with their front entries, the lane blockface, or a blockface on a side street of the block as suits their design purpose?

A: Although one face is illustrated the project must be designed on all sides.

 

Q: My software opened the site DWG file nicely, and I’m reasonably confident the scale is correct, but there was no graphic scale in the file for confirmation. Is there anything you could offer as verification? Maybe mark-up of a jpeg with the length of a particular block?

A: Each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments.

 

Q: Can you provide a short-cut to the most relevant existing zoning, especially if there’s a easily interpreted public portal. I know we can deviate from most of it and lean toward the brief but it may be useful to understand how local regulations are structured.

A: Each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments.

 

Q: In the Vancouver Zoning Code do stairs and elevators count once, say at the base, in the FSR, or multiple times, on each level?

A: Each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments.

 

Q: Please confirm Vancouver Building Code is a variation of the International Residential Code (IRC) with few variations that would impact this, such as lot line exposure?

A: Each proponent is responsible for their own research and existing condition assessments.

 

Q: Can you share the number of entrants?

A: Yes, 109.

 

Q: Is mentoring or workshops available?

A: Students or youth teams may contact Amy Nugent at amy@urbanarium.org  to request mentoring if interested and we will do our best to find mentors.

 

Q: Will there be opportunities to meet other teams and network?

A: Urbanarium has set up a Discord channel for entrants to chat and network. The Jury will not be allowed to join or view anything on Discord, so entrants can openly discuss their questions with each other. All participants will be invited to the awards presentations and the exhibition & party that follows (February 2022)

 

Q: The competition brief refers to social and economic rationales. We would also like to address climate and environmental issues (such as energy efficient building methods and climate resiliency) in our proposal. How much attention should we pay to these issues and will they impact the judge’s final decisions?

A: Each proponent should clearly identify their aspirations for the work and embed their thinking into the specific design solution. These considerations are important and will be reviewed by the jury and will influence their decisions.

 

NAPKIN SKETCH #2

NAPKIN SKETCH #3