The Concrete Student Trophy is to be awarded for the fifth time. The award is presented for outstanding projects and seminar works that have been developed in an interdisciplinary manner and in whose design and architecture concrete is given a leading part. The theme of this year's competition is the preliminary draught of a multi-functional, accessible, temporary concrete structure with a viewing platform in the context of current visions.

The competition task in detail is as follows: Since its establishment, the Technical University of Graz has continuously developed into a strong centre of teaching and research. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the TU Graz, more regional, national and international models and visions are to be presented. An accessible viewing structure is to be designed for the new campus of the TU Graz as a lighthouse for the 200th anniversary of its existence and as a temporary centre. The intended purpose of the concrete structure with viewing platform is at the same time to convey the campus of the TU Graz and its urbane development, the propagation of the infrastructure and the spatial development for innovation and visions. Institutes such as the Institute of Architecture and Media, Communication Networks and Satellite Communication, as well as the Laboratory for Construction Engineering form a highly dynamic environment – not only with regard to their fields of research, but also from a structural point of view – that is intended to foster a visionary approach to design. Moreover, the most diverse laboratory buildings refer one to the field of conflict between visionary ideas and their technical feasibility.

The submitted projects will be assessed by a jury of experts with regard to architectural idea, quality of design, technical innovation and construction, functionality and feasibility, safety, overall visual impression, use of concrete, environmental aspects and costbenefit ratio. The entry documents must be submitted by 8 October 2010 at the latest. The Concrete Student Trophy 2010 carries prize money totalling 12,000 euros. The prize money is allocated as follows: 4,000 Euros for 1st prize, 3,000 Euros for the 2nd prize and 2,000 Euros for the 3rd price; there can be three special mentions worth 1,000 Euros each. The prizes will be awarded on 18 November 2010 in a ceremony at the VÖZ building in Vienna.