Question 1

Why should I participate in the LA Lights the Way: Streetlight Design Competition?

Accepted Answer

This competition is the City of L.A.’s first open streetlight design competition, allowing the public to participate and design a new streetlight that will be a part of the future of Los Angeles for years to come. Besides winning prize money, this is your opportunity to help shape how streetlights function and look like in time for the 2028 Olympics, meet sustainability goals as part of the Mayor’s Green New Deal 2019 Sustainability pLAn, and make streetlights a public art piece in the City that millions of Angelenos call home.

Question 2

How much does it cost to register for the competition?

Accepted Answer

A: For the professional competition, the entry fee is $250. For the student professional competition (for college and graduate students) and the student competition, there is no entry fee.

Question 3

What is the registration deadline to participate in the competition?

Accepted Answer

A: For the professional competition, the registration deadline is 1/10/2020. For the student professional competition (for college and graduate students), the registration deadline is 1/6/2020 and submittals are due 1/24/2020. There is no registration required for the student competition (High School students) but the submittals are due  June 1, 2020 at 4:00 PM.

Question 4

How should I decide which competition to enter (the professional, the student professional, or the student competition)?"

Accepted Answer

A: The professional competition targeted audience is for working professionals in a relevant field related to architecture, design, and engineering. There is no minimum requirement of age, professional field, or amount of work experience, but do know that you may be competing against individuals or teams with years of experience in their respective field.
The professional student competition is focused on graduate-level and college students at a college or university located within L.A. County (such as the LACCD, UC, CSU, USC, etc…) interested in architecture, urban design, engineering or a related field. There is no age or major requirement as long as you are an enrolled student at an accredited college or university within L.A. County.
The student competition is focused on high school students that attend a high school (irregardless if the school type such as LAUSD, charter, public or private high schools) in the City of Los Angeles. There is no age requirement as long as you are an enrolled student at an accredited high school in the City of Los Angeles.

Question 5

What are the requirements to compete in the competition?

Accepted Answer

A: In order to compete in the competition you must meet the guidelines in the website at www.lalightstheway.org and fulfill the registration, if required.  For the professional competition you should be ready to complete both stages of the competition that will require presentations, and structural analysis of your entry.

Question 6

Who can I reach out to if I have more questions?

Accepted Answer

A: For any additional questions, you may reach out to us at lalightstheway@lacity.org.

Question 7

Where can I go to learn more about the past designs and history of LA’s streetlights.

Accepted Answer

A: The Bureau of Street Lighting offers a tour monthly of the City’s streetlight museum located at 1149 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015.  Go to our website at bsl.lacity.org for times and how to sign up. Also, check out the list of further reading material located at Automatic Beauty. These documents provide additional history and background on street lights in the City of LA.

Question 8

When and where is the "Question and Answer Event" for applicants being held?  "

Accepted Answer

A: The Bureau of Street Lighting will be hosting an event on January 6, 2020 at 10:00 at 1149 S. Broadway Ste 200, Los Angeles, CA 90015.  The event will have a tour of the Streetlight Museum, a short presentation about the contest and opportunity for questions and answers.  Please RSVP to LAlightstheway@lacity.org by the end of Friday January 3, 2020 if you are planning to attend.

Design Brief