Question: Why would anyone want to sit on benches that overlook a busy road?

Answer: Although the 5 Bench-Mark signs are positioned to face Main Road, that positioning was intended to make the signs more visible. They do NOT indicate the specific placement or orientation of the mini-environment that we hope the designers will create.

On the website and in the requirements we state that our intent is have 'artful places or people to sit along Main Road.' We want design solutions that encourage safe pedestrian travel and provide a sense of place. In our description of what each submission might include in addition to a place to sit, we suggest one or more of the following: a landscape element, a celebratory element, other design elements.

Question: I have a question concerning the bench-mark contest. I am unclear as to what we are designing... Is it a "pattern" that is going to be placed onto the benches? Or is it a separate entity that will stand with the benches? I am going to enroll in the competition but am unsure of what form the designs will be in?

Answer: The following is detailed in the 'Requirements' page, that are posted on this website. We expect at the least , 'A place to sit; a landscape element; a celebratory element.'

Question: Is the competition design and build?

Answer: Absolutely. We ask for construction drawings as part of the submission so that we can see the concept expressed in a plan for building.

Question: Is a budget necessary?

Answer: Yes, this also helps us understand the potential for a solid piece of work.

Question: About Bench-Mark # 5, is there a drawing of the site, and is there a landscape plan?

Answer: The site drawing is now posted on the Updates page; the landscape plan will not be completed by the submission date. Your submission can include a landscape element; this may enhance and be included in the overall plan or the Bench-Mark landscape elements may be adapted to fit the overall plan.

Question: When will sidewalks be added?

Answer: Not for a few years. The Bench-marks have to work now without sidewalks and in the future when we hope there will be sidewalks.

Answer: No, this would not be possible, for safely reasons.

Answer: They have agreed not to move it at this time. Please design Bench-Mark#3 with the older memorial where it is.

Question about Bench-Mark #2, Kirkaldy House: When will site plans be available?

Answer: Please see the Updates page, and the new location for Bench-Mark #2. The new location, adjacent to the historic shed will not be impacted by the new development. The new plans for the Kirkaldy House have not been resolved.

Question About Bench-Mark # 1: How close will the sidewalk be in relation to the North Bench-Mark?

Answer: We don't know; it would be safer to have the Bench-Mark a little further back than as shown with the posted sign.

Question: Is there any size restriction?

Answer: This is noted on the Updates page; the volume - including landscaping - must be within a 20 foot length; ten foot wide and 15 feet high. There is no need to to try to fill that volume.

Question: Is there any budget for site/landscape changes?

Answer: If part of the submission, the landscape elements should be included in the overall budget.

Question: Will there be lighting at cross walks?

Answer: This will be decided and designed as part of the overall sidewalk and traffic plan.

Question: Has the Department of Transportation (DOT) been involved with helping plan for slowing traffic?

Answer: Not yet. The Police Department and the Sidewalk Committee are working on getting a Traffic Plan funded by the town. DOT will be contacted.

Question: I have been reading about the competition for the benches and I am curious what the construction budget is for each bench. I am trying to make sure my ideas will be in budget. Is the overall budget for the 5 different benches 10,000 to 25,000$ ? What will the actual per bench budget be?

Answer: Right now we can assure a minimum of $3000 per location. Fundraising still going on so we may have more money. Your design should have some flexibility if more money is available.

Question: There is only a brief note that says this competition is design/build. Is it intended that the competition winners will also supply the labor and time to physically construct their benches? Will any assistance (tools, technical expertise, use of a truck) be provided?

Answer: We intended that the winners would do the building. We wanted to assure that the designs were buildable and not just conceptual. We will assure modest site preparation and perhaps your proposal can specify the assistance needed at the time of installation. Perhaps you might consider teaming up with people for the construction phase. We've added a question to the online registration form where submitters can indicate if they are open to contacts from people who are looking to join their team.

Question: There is also a brief description of what happens if your design is chosen. It says that 50% of the materials cost will be supplied, and 50% will be distributed upon completion. Is it intended that the designer use their own personal funds to purchase the last 50% of the material and will be reimbursed only after completion of the project?

Answer: This is what is intended. Reimbursement is standard in public art commissions and in many publicly funded arts projects. We hope that this doesn't preclude your submission.

Question: Will you accept entries from someone who went to Boston University, but now resides in Colorado?

Answer: Yes we will. We will ask for documentation of your BU experience at time of submission.Would the alumni office have you on file? Even if you didn't graduate, they may have a record. good luck!

Answer: If you mean that the two people would be working on one submission? Yes. We encourage teams.