Questions and Answers

The Competition

Is there anything in particular I need to do beforehand?

Subscribe to enter the competition via the Register interest page to receive updates.

If we get through are we required to submit a formal construction pack of drawings?

No formality is required for its own sake.  Enough information is required to enable the judges to assess the feasibility of the proposal and the winner’s ability to deliver it within the specified budget.

Will candidates based overseas (for example North America) really be given equal consideration during the second stage of the process (shortlist / interviews), given that the significant site presence required during construction would be more straightforward for someone local to arrange?

Also, if a foreign winner is selected, would any assistance be provided in terms of coordinating local partnerships, accommodations, etc.?

We are quite sincere in saying the competition is open to anyone.  And we certainly welcome entries from overseas. But, as you say, there may be significant practical challenges for an overseas entrant. We would do whatever we could to facilitate the construction by a winner from overseas but the judges will of course need to be reasonably confident that the winning construction will be realised.  And there is a limit to what support our resources extend to.  There is a possibility that an overseas team could be offered accommodation locally during the build but we could not assist with any visa requirements for a team staying in London for the duration of the build. So, regrettably, overseas entrants will suffer some disadvantages that we cannot full offset.

What are the requirements for participation? Is there any restriction in terms of team members number, specialisation or qualification?

There are no restrictions. Anyone can enter, individually or as part of a team.

Are there any PI insurance requirements for a team?

No.

Why is the brief so open?

The very open brief is intended to give maximum freedom of expression. There are constraints imposed by the self-led build requirement and the budget. Form and function are, contrastingly, entirely unconstrained.

The Antepavilion/Build

Can I do a vertical installation higher than the side houses

There is nothing to stop you - except possibly budget.

Can we order materials ourselves or do we have to go via Shiva Ltd?

Teams are free to spend their budget as they please. As sponsor Shiva will only assist or facilitate procurement of materials, labour or equipment if required.

How long is the installation proposed to be in place as minimum and maximum?

This is for the entrants to propose.  If the winning installation requires or merits it it could be on display for at lease a year. There is no minimum period for display.

Will the installation be open to the public 24/7 or only for certain times or day? You mention any ongoing supervision costs have to come from the budget. Have you encountered the requirement for ongoing supervision on previous Antepavilions?

The extent of the public opening will depend on the winning proposal.  Entrants are free to propose any level of open access.  All previous Antepavilion installations have been at our Hoxton Docks site and hence there has only been close-up public access on specific dates or for specific events. The site for 2024 is of course, by its nature, more generally accessible.

What is the standard day rate for a Shiva labourer?

Facilitating self-build is an important element of Antepavilion’s objectives.  Entrants must expect to be able to do most of the work themselves. We would only expect to provide support from construction workers where specific trade skills are required that the winning team cannot provide for itself. A welder or a carpenter for example would be available at £250 per day.

What are the health & safety constraints in terms of proposing a tall structure (+4m) with inhabitable floors? Does this cause issues for insurance?

Without knowing the proposal it is difficult to answer this question but I cannot imagine a problem - certainly not one that is for solving by anyone other than the proposer.

Do the excavations need to be filled back after pavilion is over?

No, within reason the reinstatement of the land will be a cost borne by the landowner.

Are you welcoming entries which involve rammed earth construction or earth bag construction - or you want only unprocessed earth proposals?

This is Antepavilion - anything goes.

What is the intended final use of the installation - would it be used by people to experiment with archeological process - like a “playground” for people to try some digging and archeological explorations?

There is no prescribed use.  This is Antepavilion - anything goes.  Active use of the site and the winning structure is welcomed but any ongoing supervision or management costs have to come from the budget.

How much am I expected to be on site for the build?

It is intended that the winner will take a hands-on approach to the construction of the project, working with labourers and craftspeople on site to build the project.

What does the £15,000 sponsorship of materials and labour actually consist of?

Entries should be realisable with materials and labour to this value. These costs will be at typical industry daily rates for craftsmen and labourers and trade prices for materials.

Can we propose our own labourers/craftspeople for the construction?

Yes. Also, the £10,000 cash prize component of the project fund can be used to augment the £15,000 build budget and be allocated to additional labour and materials if you choose. The £15,000 of materials and labour will be provided by Shiva Ltd or other agreed contractors.

Can we apply for additional sponsorship, e.g. from a materials company?

Yes. But any proposals for sponsorship and what brand exposure any additional sponsor wants in return will need to be agreed with Antepavilion once your entry has been shortlisted.

Is there be structural engineer support, or will that need to be subcontracted using prize money?

Yes.  Antepavilion is fortunate to have the sponsorship of London Structures Lab in the form of pro bono structural engineering services.