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Download the Kiosk Competition Booklet & Rules
Reimagining a Community Landmark
As part of Princeton’s ambitious Nassau Street Streetscape Project, the Municipality is seeking innovative design solutions for a new, purpose-built information kiosk to serve as a vital civic and wayfinding hub at the heart of the community. AIA New Jersey is proud to host the Princeton Kiosk Design Competition, inviting professional architects and students to help shape the future of downtown Princeton through thoughtful, functional, and sustainable design.
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Background
Since 1988, Princeton’s kiosks have stood as informal anchors of communication and community activity, offering bulletin board space, public maps, and once even telephone booths. Now, as Nassau Street is revitalized, the time has come to reimagine this structure for the next generation—blending analog charm with digital connectivity in a design that enhances both aesthetics and utility.
A new kiosk will be located at the corner of Nassau Street and Vandeventer Avenue. Designers are invited to propose a creative, durable, and engaging architectural solution that redefines the role of a kiosk in the 21st century public realm.
Competition Overview
Participants will design a kiosk within a defined footprint (14’ x 8’, max 12’ high) that includes:
- Minimum 50 sq. ft. of public bulletin board space
- A digital touch screen (24” x 36”) for wayfinding & local info
- Durable and sustainable materials
- Solar and/or ambient lighting options
- QR code or mobile connectivity
- Recognition plaque for donors and sponsors
The design should be flexible and adaptable to evolving technologies and future environmental or social conditions.
Who Can Enter?
Professional Category
Open to licensed NJ Architects and AIA members only. Architectural firms may submit under a responsible NJ-licensed AIA member.
Student Category
Open to New Jersey high school, college, and university students—or NJ residents studying out of state in an architecture/design program. Individual and team entries (up to 6 members) welcome.
Awards
Thanks to our sponsors, The Bank of Princeton and Roundview Capital, the competition offers the following cash prizes:
Professional
- First Place: $3,000
- Second Place: $2,000
- Third Place: $1,000
- Public Choice Award: $1,000
Student
- First Place: $1,500
- Second Place: $1,000
- Third Place: $500
Key Dates
- Registration Opens: May 30, 2025
- Registration Deadline: July 16, 2025 (12:00 PM EST)
- Submission Window: May 30 – July 18, 2025
- Submission Deadline: July 18, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
- Jury Review & Public Voting: TBD
- Winners Announced: TBD
How to Enter
All entries must be submitted anonymously through the AIA NJ Design Awards Portal.
Registration is required in order to receive a unique registration number and access to site plans and reference materials.
REGISTER NOW
Questions? Contact Christina Goldstein at: cgoldstein@njpsi.com
Submission Requirements
- 36” x 36” Digital Presentation Board (PDF, max 15MB)
- 250-word Design Statement
- Plans, Sections, Elevations, Assembly Details
- Primary Rendered 3D View
- Separate files for board text and primary image
- All submissions must be blind (no identifying info)
For full details, download the Competition Brief PDF.
Jury & Selection
The jury will include architects, Princeton officials, community leaders, and business stakeholders. Top finalists will be exhibited publicly, and one will be selected as a potential basis for construction. The Municipality of Princeton reserves the right to determine final construction outcomes.
Design the Future of Princeton’s Public Space
This is more than a competition—it’s an opportunity to leave a mark on one of New Jersey’s most beloved communities. We invite you to rethink what a kiosk can be—part signpost, part meeting place, part digital bridge—blending legacy and innovation on Princeton’s most iconic street.
