Rethinking the dome's purpose for today's world — 2017 Burnham Prize Competition call for ideas now open!

For the 2017 Burnham Prize Competition: “Under the Dome”, the Chicago Architectural Club drew inspiration from the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial and its iconic venue, the Chicago Cultural Center — particularly the Center's restored Tiffany dome. In response to the Biennial's “Make New History” theme, the 2017 Burnham Prize is inviting architects worldwide to send their most clever speculative design ideas and interventions that re-imagine the decaying dome of the nearby abandoned St. Stephen's Church, which will celebrate its centennial anniversary this year.

Highlighting St. Stephen's Church as an example, the competition brings up questions about the purpose of the dome in contemporary society. How can the dome be re-imagined to fit in today's world? Other questions to keep in mind as you develop your proposals: “Would new strategies of programming or tectonic experimentation provide a new future for the dome? How can the collision of history and new use create the radical emergence of the unimaginable?”

A jury of notable professionals, academics, and public officials will review the submissions and select the winners.

Online registration and submissions are due on August 18, 2017 at noon CST. Winners will be announced on September 15.