The project will be placed at the Confluence of the Guadalupe River and Los Gatos Creek in the most important Urban park in Silicon Valley, located in downtown San Jose.
Urban Confluence Silicon Valley is a project of the San Jose Light Tower Corporation (SJLTC), a nonprofit organization founded in 2017 by passionate community leaders with the bold vision of creating an artistic and iconic landmark for Silicon Valley and San Jose. The founders work closely with an engaged and diverse group of professionals including an Advisory Council with 65 active participants and over 200 current contributors. They intend to donate this gift to the City of San Jose. The International Open Ideas Competition is now accepting submissions.
An International Open Ideas Competition is now accepting submissions. We are pleased to invite local, national, and international designers. This competition is open to students, artists, architects, landscape architects, urban planners, engineers, designers, place-makers, and creative individuals or teams everywhere.
No. The original inspiration for the project was the San Jose Electric Light Tower, constructed in 1881. The International Open Ideas Competition entrants are encouraged to develop new designs that respect the natural environment and embrace the extraordinary spirit of Silicon Valley innovation.
The primary goal of the project is to create a new, distinctive, world-class public landmark in downtown San Jose, Silicon Valley’s largest urban center. It will be a gathering place that produces civic pride and spurs economic development. The purpose is to inspire future generations with an urban masterpiece. This powerful and enduring icon will be the place every visitor MUST SEE when coming to Silicon Valley—and where locals go often because they LOVE it. San Jose is the largest city in Silicon Valley, an area that fuels the imagination of the world as the heart of innovation and technology—yet the region is still without a bold iconic landmark to define itself. Given its Mediterranean climate, a highly educated and diverse work force, proximity to world-class universities, and access to immense financial capital, the region is poised to make a statement that defines and unites the citizenry’s technological prowess in harmony with our natural surroundings.
In March 2019 the San Jose City Council unanimously approved Arena Green at Guadalupe River Park and Gardens as the project location. Arena Green is located on West Santa Clara Street adjacent to SAP Center, San Jose’s world-class sports and entertainment venue. This site is a short walk from Diridon Station (the future “Grand Central Station of the West”) and the VTA Light Rail system. The location was recommended as the best option following an independent study of seven downtown sites conducted by Steinberg Hart.
We are working closely with the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy to ensure that this project enhances their current efforts and improves this significant area of San Jose. The design will respect the environment including the riparian corridor.
The proposed project site is Arena Green, which is located across the street from SAP Center and the proposed GOOGLE Downtown West Mixed-Use Plan. While there are currently no formal connections with these organizations, the San Jose Light Tower Corporation plans to collaborate with all of its neighbors.
The diverse jury will include global place-makers and design experts from many professions. Jurors will not be allowed to have any ties to entrants.
Register here. There is no fee to enter.
The International Open Ideas Competition is now accepting submissions. The winning design will be chosen in Summer 2020. Once a final concept has been selected, the design team and contractor will work closely with local, state and federal agencies, environmental organizations, and community groups to assure compliance with all rules and regulations.
The construction budget will be established based on the San Jose City Council approved project design.
Through exceptional and enthusiastic fundraising efforts, the San Jose Light Tower Corporation has successfully privately funded all phases of this project thus far by developing strong working partnerships with local government, community groups, and philanthropic organizations. A capital campaign to fund construction of the project will begin once a design for the project is selected.
San Jose Light Tower Corporation plans to fully pay for construction of the project and provide it as a gift to the City of San Jose.
No. The overall competition budget will be addressed during the latter phase of the project that selects the winner of the competition.
No. San Jose Light Tower Corporation plans to fully pay for construction of the project and provide the project as a gift to the City of San Jose.
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Yes, you may submit a previously designed object but be sure to follow submission guidelines.
An International Open Ideas Competition is now accepting submissions. We are pleased to invite local, national, and international designers. This competition is open to students, artists, architects, landscape architects, urban planners, engineers, designers, place-makers, and creative individuals or teams everywhere.
Urban Confluence Silicon Valley entries will be reviewed by a jury of local leaders and internationally recognized artists and designers. In Phase 1, The Jury will choose three finalists (individuals or teams) who will each receive a $150,000 stipend to refine their project proposals. The Jury will then review these three proposals and recommend a single competition winner.
Since the site is located close to the airport and Highway 87, noise levels are allowed to be significant.
The competition site is Arena Green at Guadalupe River Park and Gardens, a public park used year round due to the mild climate of Silicon Valley. It is expected that successful submissions will increase activity in the park, not only during the day but also in the evening.
Yes. Arena Green is currently a city park open to the public, however it is underutilized. This project aims to increase activation at the site.
Please see Phase 1 Revised Submission Requirements
Yes.
Yes, but each entry must have a unique email address. A complete submission for each entry must be provided.
Please see Phase 1 Revised Submission Requirements
Please see Stipends
Please refer to page 11 of the Competition Brief.
Yes.
Maximum heights vary on the site. We recommend that teams use 200 feet as a maximum height. Trees (as part of a roof deck, for example) are considered part of the total building height measurement.
Yes, provided it meets regulatory standards, does not impact flood protection, does not impact the riparian habitat, and is not a “lid” over the creek. Pedestrian bridges or arches can be considered.
No.
No.
Yes. Please see Phase 1 Revised Submission Requirements
Yes. Submissions are allowed to include ideas for one side of the site or the entire site. Bridges and other structures are allowed to span the riparian corridor.
There are site walk and webinar videos on the Webinars & Site Tours Page.
Yes. Please pay particular attention to all constraints included in the brief.
The tennis courts can be relocated to another location on-site or off-site. Please see page 19 of the Competition Brief.
Each submission has a unique number and jurors will NOT know the names of submitters. The competition only asks for information about the submitting teams in order to communicate about the project’s competition and notify winners. The only names ever to be revealed will be those of the 3 finalists.
Submitting individuals and teams are NOT required to present their proposals in person until the 3 finalists are announced.
There is currently no approved plan to remove or relocate the power poles and power lines. SJLTC is hopeful that the power lines will be relocated as part of the electrical infrastructure improvements required by ongoing developments in the area (including BART, Diridon Station, Google, and other massive projects). If any of the three finalists’ designs requires the power lines to be removed or relocated, the SJLTC will do everything in its power to accommodate this request, but SJLTC cannot currently guarantee that the power lines can be relocated.
No.
All constraints in the brief must be followed (including limitations related to the environment, the riparian corridor, lighting, height, etc.)
No. This is clearly stated on the “Arena Green Map” in the “Resources for Submitters” section of the website.
Depth constraints are unknown. However certain underground structures exist on the East side of the site that are shown on the Arena Green Map in the Resources for Submitters.
The limit is 200’ for purposes of this phase of the ideas competition. Precise height limits are technically slightly higher, but this will be discussed when there are 3 finalists during Phase 2 of the competition.
Arena Green was ranked as the preferred site by the Steinberg Hart site selection study. On March 12, 2019, the San Jose City Council unanimously approved this site with an 11 to 0 vote. Please see the Lighting Guidelines and Biology Report –Arena Green.
Please carefully follow the instructions that appear in the “Notes” section on the “Arena Green Map”.
No.
It is acceptable to simply state your strategy for the entire park in your narrative.
You are encouraged to draw all important elements of your design and also include a description in your narrative.
SARA is the “Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency” of the City of San Jose. It includes various public officials tasked with disposing of properties formerly owned by the City of San Jose Redevelopment Agency before redevelopment was eliminated by the State of California.
They are used for daily public use and also for various large public events including concerts. The site is also used periodically for the start or finish of running and walking events.
The construction schedule will be determined once the winning idea has been selected.
Approximately 50 feet.
There are no entries into the river and creek at Arena Green.
The answer to this question will not be known until all submittals are reviewed by the jury.
Yes.
Yes.
No. Everything related to the competition needs to be presented in imperial units (feet, inches, etc.) because the designs during Phase 2 of the completion will need to be approved by local engineers and planners who are bound by local codes that all require the use of imperial units.
No. Almost any material is allowable with the exception of materials that might cause problems related to aircraft, flora, and fauna (including birds and fish). Please read the Lighting Report – Arena Green, Lighting Guidelines, Biology Report – Arena Green, and Aviation Considerations in the “Resources for Submitters” to understand these constraints.
No. The park is a green space and our constraints demand that submissions fully respect the natural environment. Many landmarks around the world are located in or near parks.
No. The airport allows no drone activity in the flight path due to security concerns.
Activation strategies are welcome in addition to the “landmark” design. These items can be included in your Project Statement and Project Summary and/or be part of your Design Presentation Board.
Google, Adobe, Diridon Station, and other developments will appear nearby during the next 10 years. These developments will include residential, office, retail, parks, and other commercial developments.
No. San Jose Light Tower Corporation is a private non-profit organization working collaboratively with City of San Jose departments including PRNS (Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services), DPW (Department of Public Works), and OCA (Office of Cultural Affairs / Public Arts). All codes, rules, and regulations will be followed.
No. Submissions can include as much information about site activation as submitters have developed on the Design Presentation Board, Project Summary, and Project Statement.
Please remember that Arena Green is a public park owned by the City of San Jose. The park can likely include some retail and shopping if they are consistent with park use, but it is unlikely that a hotel will be allowed. These uses might be allowed if they are secondary or tertiary aspects of the landmark design. Specific details related to activation of the site will be explored and resolved during Phase 2. All uses must ultimately be approved by the San Jose City Council.
The competition ends once the winning design has been chosen. The project will end once construction of the landmark is complete. The ultimate operator of the landmark has not yet been determined.
No.
No, except for possible minor improvements and clarifications.
The San Jose Light Tower Corporation (SJLTC) will work with the 3 finalists to determine design-build possibilities. The actual construction approach will be determined by the winning designer in collaboration with the SJLTC. Planning and construction details will be determined collaboratively after the winning design has been selected.
Students are welcome to submit. The SJLTC will help a winning student identify all resources needed to successfully complete all aspects of the project and work with the student as necessary to be successful through completion of the competition.
The 3 finalists will collaborate with the SJLTC to develop a professional design team.
No. Submissions can be hand-drawn or produced using design software. Highly technical submittals will not be favored over simple illustrations of brilliant ideas. You are allowed to use as much or as little technology as you prefer. All submissions will be treated equally.
Yes—as long as they are consistent with the limitations outlined in the Lighting Report – Arena Green and Lighting Guidelines.
No. Submissions must follow the directions in the Phase 1 Revised Submission Requirements.
The SJLTC will print the boards used for public display and jury deliberations.
Yes. Significant outreach has already taken place including communication to dozens of groups that include thousands of local residents and a great deal more outreach will take place during the next year. Hundreds of community members have participated in community meetings and expressed numerous ideas that have been seriously considered in developing all aspects of the ideas competition. The public is enthusiastic about improvements to Arena Green. More community input is always welcome.
Usable property is labelled in green on the Arena Green Site Maps.
Yes. The winning individual or team will be paid fully for all work after Phase 2. The fee will be negotiated at the conclusion of Phase 2. Best practices related to the relationship between designers and owners will be followed.
Yes. The design is only limited by the imagination of submitters.
We have chosen a different route to identify the winning idea. Open ideas competitions have been used throughout history including to design the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.
No. All creative ideas are welcome. The goal of the competition is to identify the world’s next spectacular urban landmark and it can take any form whatsoever.
Yes, as long as Confluence Point is not disturbed in any meaningful way.
Yes. The Arena Green Site Maps clearly lists items that can’t be altered. None of the existing ground cover is sacrosanct.
No. Submitters names will remain completely anonymous and will never be shared, except for the 3 finalists, whose names will be announced at the conclusion of Phase 1.
No. All ideas are acceptable subject to constraints listed in Resources for Submitters.
Yes.
No. It is part of the Five Skaters work of art.
Free translation tools are available on-line for those who do not speak English.
SAP center is 117 feet tall. The footprint is 425 feet x 425 feet and includes 450,000 square feet of floor space.
No.
No. All of these massive projects are currently in the design phase.
Phase 1 of the competition is an “ideas competition”. Fully developed plans are NOT required during Phase 1. The SJLTC is currently looking for a spectacular idea. Designs will be refined during Phase 2 and finalized AFTER the winning idea is chosen.
Yes, The SJLTC will help the 3 finalists identify resources to adequately develop their ideas during Phase 2.
The project is located in the largest Urban center in Silicon Valley at the Confluence of a river and a creek. The location will be experienced and enjoyed by millions of people in the future in the heart of the greatest technology center in the history of the world and the riparian corridor demands that we create a landmark in harmony with the natural world.
In addition to creating a beautiful object, the SJLTC looks forward to being part of the activation of Arena Green and Guadalupe River Park. First-rate art and architecture exist for their own sake, but site improvement will lead to greater quality of life for locals and visitors alike. Functional aspects of the project might include ice cream shops, restaurants, bars, coffee houses, museums, and other uses suggested by submitters. Please remember that the site is a City of San Jose public park. Landmarks lead to great economic development in urban centers.
No. All ideas are welcome.
There are currently curfews at city parks, but the City of San Jose might be willing to change its rules or ordinances depending on site specifics. Downtown San Jose is undergoing a massive amount of development that will make it a more dynamic urban center including activity of all kinds.
Yes. Numerous community groups and the city council are working diligently to help the homeless. The SJLTC hopes to be part of the solution to this serious problem in San Jose and cities across America.
The landscape at Arena Green can certainly be modified. Off-site landscape improvements are not in the scope of the project.
Yes.
Yes.
No, but both are acceptable. Creative site activation is an important competition goal.
No. This will be considered during Phase 2.
The river and creek are not currently in good condition from an environmental perspective. A massive amount of flood control work has been completed, but the current condition is not ideal for fish. The SJLTC plans to cooperate with many agencies attempting to improve the natural habitat. Organizations including the Sierra Club, Audubon Society, City of San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services, Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, Spur, and many others are working diligently to improve the park and the habitat for birds and fish.
Some environmental organizations including the Sierra Club and the Audubon Society expressed concern about natural habitats early in our project. The SJLTC engaged respected biologists and lighting experts to analyze the site to make sure proper constraints are included in the project. The natural habitat and riparian corridor will be fully respected throughout the competition. Community support has been widespread throughout the project’s history including two unanimous city council votes.
Yes.
We don’t know, but trees should not be removed or re-located without good reason.
Yes.
The exact attendance numbers are not available, but Arena Green is currently vastly underutilized except on the few days every year when the park is part of special events (runs, walks, etc.).
No.
Yes. The riparian corridor needs to be respected and all constraints included in the Resources for Submitters must be followed.
We know of no plans to change the High Life Restaurant.
No, but submissions are allowed to include buffers in their plans.
Yes. The site is next to busy roads and directly under the flight path of Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport.
Yes. In community meetings, many people have mentioned bars, restaurants, cafes, visitor centers, and other uses compatible with urban public parks.
Yes, but only consistent with the policies of the City of San Jose, Santa Clara Valley Water District, and other government entities that have control over the river and creek. Details related to water sports can be analyzed during Phase 2.
No.
The Arena Green 3D Surface Layer DWG File is available in Resources for Submitters.
This can be investigated during Phase 2 of the competition.
The seven-year California drought has officially ended. There is usually water in the river ranging from one foot to 15+ feet deep. The site will likely not flood in the future because significant flood control bypass culverts have been installed.
Yes. It is likely that trees that are removed will need to be replaced on-site or off-site at a ratio yet to be determined. The details will be worked out during Phase 2 in collaboration with the City of San Jose.
The inclusion of submitters from around the world will result in unlimited creativity. Our end-result will be a gift to the citizens of San Jose, Silicon Valley, and the world.
Yes. There are no requirements to use any electronic design tools whatsoever in preparing submittals.
Yes. The project design must be net-zero and respect the riparian corridor and the environment.
No. Submissions can be for Arena Green West, Arena Green East, or both.
We created the competition to fill a need. San Jose and Silicon Valley currently have no iconic landmark. Humans crave awe-inspiring projects and spectacular public places—they make life better.
No on-site parking is required. There are thousands of parking spaces a short walk from Arena Green.
We don’t currently know. Soil studies will take place during Phase 2 if they are needed.
There are many trees on site, but a tree inventory is not available.
No. They are all part of the Five Skaters monument and cannot be modified.
This will be determined in the future in collaboration with the City of San Jose.
Your name, email address, and phone number will ONLY be viewed by the competition staff. The only submitters’ names to EVER be revealed will be those of the 3 competition finalists selected by the Jury.
No. You must use the Site Map Image supplied on Submittable exactly as provided, but please remember that it can be any size you choose on your Design Presentation Board. You ARE allowed to paste your own Site Map Image onto your Design Presentation Board IN ADDITION to the one that is supplied on Submittable if you like.
Yes. All submissions received prior to 11:00 PM PDT Monday, June 22, 2020 will be reviewed by our “Technical Review” team. They will make sure the submittals have not violated any technical prohibitions. A list of the items to be reviewed appears in “Resources for Submitters”.
No. Only text is allowed on Project Statements and Project Summaries.
Yes. You are allowed to include landscape design elements in the riparian corridor, but NOT inside the banks of the river and creek. All species must be native and specific to the riparian habitat. Landscape design details will be finalized during Phase 2 of the competition.
Yes, but Submitters must be fastidious about anonymity requirements. Submitter team members on one team should not be told the names of members, or the lead submitter, from other teams.
Submitters can be as detailed as they deem necessary in satisfying the “Net Zero” requirement in their narrative and/or on their Design Presentation Board. Submitters need to be convincing to the Jury that their Net Zero strategy is achievable.
Yes, based on Jury recommendations. The Jury will have flexibility to creatively accomplish the overall objectives of the competition.
Yes, based on Jury recommendations, but since we have not yet reviewed the submissions, we do not know at this time how, or if, we might combine them in order to meet the overall objectives of the competition.
Yes, if an acceptable landscape design solution is missing from an otherwise desirable submission.
San Jose, similar to most municipalities, has procedures that must be followed before digging, to be sure underground utilities are not struck or compromised. Those procedures apply to this project. Once that procedure is followed, we know of no restriction that would prevent a foundation of any size or depth, as long as it falls within the “areas available for design competition”. Prior to construction, all designs must go through a City of San Jose approval process.
Yes.
