The biggest exposure the youth have to the built environment is to school buildings, where they spend the bulk of their weekday, but where do they fill the rest of their schedule? Too often, young people may turn to unhealthy activities during this time. The Magnolia Park Youth Center is an attempt to address this issue, by providing the area’s youth with a spot that encourages positive recreational activities. The design should incorporate elements that you would like to see in a community center catered to the youth.

Be sure to consider the context of the surrounding neighborhood, including local aesthetics, culture, and landmarks in your design. Don't forget that this is first and foremost an ideas competition. Be creative!’

The Michael G. Meyers Design & Scholarship Competition is an annual event sponsored by Architecture Center Houston Foundation, AIA Houston, and local architectural firms and affiliates. This is an ideas competition with an emphasis on creative problem solving and graphic presentation.

All Houston area high school students are eligible to participate regardless of class affiliation or age. Entrants are requested to enter only once per year as a member of a team or as an individual. Teachers and Counselors are encouraged to promote this scholarship competition.

The 2023 MGMC Program and Description Guidelines can be seen here.
The 2023 MGMC Site Plan PDF and DWG Files.

IMPORTANT 2023 DATES:

Student & Teacher Workshop
Saturday, January 21
9am-1pm
Architecture Center Houston
902 Commerce St, 77002
Email Jennifer Ward to receive emails and updates on this year's competition

Project Site Tour
Saturday, February 18
10:00 am
Location: Special Recreation Services Building, 7301 Avenue F, Houston, TX 77011
Register here

Interim Project Review
Saturday, March 25
10am-Noon
Architecture Center Houston,
902 Commerce St, 77002
Register here

Projects Due
Friday, May 12, 5:30pm
Architecture Center Houston,
902 Commerce St, 77002

Awards Ceremony
Thursday, May 18
6:00pm
Architecture Center Houston,
902 Commerce St, 77002