Staten Island highschoolers will get the opportunity to design doghouses for a chance to win a $1,500 scholarship from the American Institute of Architects.
The winning doghouse is intended for Lorenzo Nicotra, Staten Island’s most famous four-legged resident. The 8-year-old Maltese resides at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield with the owners of the hotel, Richard and Lois Nicotra. Lorenzo “oversees” the doggie-dining section of the restaurant named in his honor – Lorenzo’s Restaurant Bar & Cabaret.
“We find it important to put together a community-based project that the kids can actually see being built and have their ideas come into fruition,” said AIA President Timothy Boyland.
The judges will be members of the AIA scholarship committee, the Nicotras, and an unnamed celebrity judge.
Nicotra said of his requirements, “I try to push the envelope when I look at architecture, I don’t always look for just using ‘cookie-cutter’ designs. I’m not looking for a typical doghouse. I want the kids to think of the shape, the color of the roof, where the doors will be, and how they will operate.”
The deadline for submissions is April 2.
For more information, visit http://www.aia.org