Community involvement is vital to any public work. Anybody should be able to view, comment, and discuss the many ideas presented, as well as their own.

Yes. We will reach out to the jurors & stakeholders and provide a summary of their comments.

State Parks has hired a biologic contractor to survey the area(visitation info, vegetation, hydrology), however this will NOT include topographic information (as previously thought). This will be complete in fall 2010. In an effort to best use resources while providing adequate information to finalists, Architecture for Humanity has provided a more detailed contour + site map based on available information, while making some assumptions. Download the Contour Map.

There is no monetary prize for Phase 2. Winners will have the opportunity to work with stakeholders to further develop the design and project intent. Award money was pulled to the front side of Phase 2 to let as many teams as possible develop their ideas.

The jury process in Phase 2 will be more intimate than in Phase 1. The jury will consist of stakeholders: the San Onofre Foundation, The Surfrider Foundation, Nike 6.0, Rebuild and Architecture for Humanity.

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100,000 people use the trail, cross the tracks, and make their way through impromptu paths to reach Lowers. That’s 200,000 trips a year. While surfers are the primary users (who spend about 2.5 hours at the beach per visit), the area also attracts photographers, bird watchers, environmental enthusiasts, and joggers. Minors are often dropped off by their parents and picked up several hours later.

The major surfing events are: Lowers Pro, Surfing America USA Championships, and the Hurley Pro. During these events, the old PCH can accommodate up to 500 cars. While State Parks permits the events and provides a shuttle bus that takes spectators to the beach, they aim to drive attendance down – asking sponsors to host webcasts or alternative ways for people to spectate.

Yes. Finalists should propose two solutions, an at-grade and a below-grade railroad crossing. See the CA Public Utilities Commission for pedestrian crossing guidelines. 90 MPH train stretches can have at-grade pedestrian crossings as long as 1,585 feet (483m) of “pedestrian clearing sight distance” is maintained.
Below-grade solutions would require raising the railroad tracks. The track can be raised 4’ in two weeks (at night, in 6” increments). To reduce the impact of excavation, below-grade solutions could begin just north of the existing trail where the grade is significantly lower. Consideration should be given to the high water line. It is estimated, that water in the underpass could reach about 1’ throughout the rainy season. This raises a lot of concerns: safety, maintenance, usability, and the likelihood of people taking alternative routes.

The design proposals should maintain ADA compliance or reasonable equivalency. The crossing should be ADA compliant. Signs should indicate the trails conditions ahead (ie, slope, surface type, and width).

At least two models are required: A site + contour model, and a model that highlights key component/s of your scheme or details the railroad crossing. See the Phase 2 Model Guidelines for more information.

See the Phase 2 Guidelines.