Almost 500 groups and individuals have registered their interest in the ACT Government's Capithetical competition, to re-imagine and design Australia’s capital.
The design competition invites entrants to imagine how an Australian national capital might look in the 21st century, understanding all of the challenges we face today.
Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has welcomed a big early response to the project, saying that in the month since its launch has attracted significant interest in Australia and from overseas.
"I am pleased that since the competition was launched by His Excellency Michael Bryce AM AE in early May, there has been a fantastic response with 498 individuals and teams having registered their interest to date.
"While most interest to date has come from within Australia, there have been registrations also from the United Kingdom, Poland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Brazil, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Venezuela.
"Just as was the case 100 years ago when an American won the national capital design competition, with Finnish and French entries running second and third, we are hoping the CAPITheticAL will also attract a big field of overseas entries."
The competition offers up to $100,000 in prize money and designers have until 31 January next year to lodge their submissions. The competition jury will then shortlist entries to allow the second and final stage of the competition to take place.
The prize winners will be announced in March 2013, to coincide with Canberra's 100th anniversary.
Stage one competition entries are due on 31 January 2012. Key dates follow. Entrants and interested parties can register for the competition at www.capithetical.com.au
