American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapter at Drury University is excited to present the “Nexus” design competition, a large-scale endeavor aimed at creating a creative, neighborhood-focused bus stop in downtown Springfield.  

Under the guidance of faculty adviser David Beach and chapter president Dain Wood, the competition has gained significant traction and, despite the hectic academic season, has drawn seven outstanding student teams. 

Pella Windows & Doors, the competition’s kind sponsor, kindly donated $1,500 for the winning designs, significantly boosting student interest and involvement in this first-ever event. 

The project asks each team to design a bus stop along the Jordan Creek greenway on Mill Street. The idea revolves around striking a balance between “Motion and Rest,” where designs will combine functionality and aesthetics to improve the park experience and transport system.  

Every design must include seating, EV charging stations for bikes and scooters, and creative applications of Pella’s unique window package. Teams will submit a 1/4″ scale model and two 24×36 presentation boards with an emphasis on energy efficiency, natural lighting, community connections and expressive architectural storytelling. 

The competition’s judges are Tyler Hellweg, an architect from Arkifex Studios; Dean Joshua Nason of Drury’s Hammons School of Architecture; Olivia Hough from Springfield City Utilities and Jennifer Whorley from Pella. Their varied viewpoints guarantee insightful feedback on submissions. 

This project, which combines architecture, community needs and corporate engagement, is a significant milestone for Drury’s AIAS. Following the competition, Drury intends to highlight the outstanding concepts, recognizing student innovation and Pella’s support while promoting the transformative Jordan Creek redevelopment. 

The final awards ceremony will be held in Drury University’s architectural building, where an all-school meeting has been scheduled from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 18, 2024. The event will provide the community a chance to come together and appreciate the outstanding work of the student teams, recognizing their originality, inventiveness, and commitment to the “Nexus” design competition.