Folly/Function 2016 FAQ

This page will continue to be updated throughout the duration of the call for proposals. Please check back periodically for updated information.

Click here to return to the Folly 2016 Call for Proposals.
Click here to return to the Folly 2016 Information Session.

Recently Added
Should the open-air education space be sited in the same location as the current one? Should costs for the removal of the existing cover be included in the budget or can we assume a clean site will be provided?
How large does the new covered area have to be?
Does it have to match the current footprint of the existing covered area or can it be bigger and extend outside the wooden platform that’s there now?
Can we attach things to the wooden platform that’s already there?
What are the requirements (dimensions, number of tables, seating capacity, etc.) for the education space?
Does the open-air education space refer only to the space that is currently covered? Or does it also include the rest of the deck area? The photos show an enclosed tent next to the metal roof structure; does the park have the need for a larger roof structure that would cover the entire deck?
Is there a height restriction?
Are there existing foundations or footings for the cover to the education space that can be re-used?
Are the trailers located in the educational corridor elements that Socrates Park would like to keep?
If I choose to keep the existing covering, can I weld or bolt a new structure to it in order to reinforce it?
Can the container be used as structural support for the new covering? Can things be bolted or welded onto the container?
Can the containers and tables and planters be painted a different color other than hunter green?
There seem to be numerous planters and sculpture elements within the education corridor site, as well as connecting pathways. Can we assume that these can be relocated?
The permanent stone blocks already create a barrier between the entry driveway and education corridor. Are we to design another barrier in addition to this? Or is our design supposed to incorporate these blocks?
Does the spacing between each of the stone blocks that currently form the driveway barrier serve a purpose? Is Socrates Park opposed to a continuous barrier to separate driveway from educational space?
Does Socrates Park have any concerns/thoughts/desires about the height of the driveway barrier?
How many classes run at once in the education corridor?
Where are the film screenings located and during which months?

General
Can teams apply?
Can non-New York residents apply? Can non-US citizens apply?
Can I submit more than one proposal?
Is there additional funding?
What are the expectations and limitations for the proposals?
For how long will the winning entry be installed?

SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK
Does the site change from year to year?
What assistance does Socrates provide?
What tools does the Socrates studio provide?
How safe must the folly be? What liability do I have? Can the folly be an enclosed structure?
How are building permits handled?
How far may I dig into the ground? How much may I alter the terrain?
How many people can I have working on the site?
Is there parking near the site?
Can I have materials delivered to the site?
How late may I work onsite?
Will I work with the other artists in residence?
Can I alter my design if I win the competition?

THE ARCHITECTURAL LEAGUE OF NEW YORK
What support does The Architectural League provide?
Will The Architectural League publicize the folly?

RECENTLY ADDED
Should the open-air education space be sited in the same location as the current one? Should costs for the removal of the existing cover be included in the budget or can we assume a clean site will be provided?
Yes the education space should be sited in the same location. If the proposal doesn’t include adaptable use of structural elements then Socrates would remove the existing metal structure.

How large does the new covered area have to be?
It should not be smaller than the current size.

Does it have to match the current footprint of the existing covered area or can it be bigger and extend outside the wooden platform that’s there now?
The footprint does not have to exactly fit that of the current covering. It could be extended laterally right and left to better bridge the areas. An extension forward over the green space is not encouraged.

Can we attach things to the wooden platform that’s already there?
Yes.

What are the requirements (dimensions, number of tables, seating capacity, etc.) for the education space?
The dimensions are included in the existing diagram, found here. Currently there are four 4×8 tables and no set seating arrangements. Regarding capacity for the area, it should be able to accommodate 60 children standing. (There is not the need to accommodate 60 children seated. There are hands-on workshops in which participants stand.)

Does the open-air education space refer only to the space that is currently covered? Or does it also include the rest of the deck area? The photos show an enclosed tent next to the metal roof structure; does the park have the need for a larger roof structure that would cover the entire deck?
Does the open-air education space refer only to the space that is currently covered? Or does it also include the rest of the deck area? The photos show an enclosed tent next to the metal roof structure; does the park have the need for a larger roof structure that would cover the entire deck?

Is there a height restriction?
No. Minimum height clearance should be 8 feet.

Are there existing foundations or footings for the cover to the education space that can be re-used?
No.

If I choose to keep the existing covering, can I weld or bolt a new structure to it in order to reinforce it?
Yes.

Are the trailers located in the educational corridor elements that Socrates Park would like to keep?
The trailers and shipping containers are staying in the current location and are not subject of the competition.

Can the container be used as structural support for the new covering? Can things be bolted or welded onto the container?
The answer to both questions is yes.

Can the containers and tables and planters be painted a different color other than hunter green?
No.

There seem to be numerous planters and sculpture elements within the education corridor site, as well as connecting pathways. Can we assume that these can be relocated?
The focus should be on a solution for the existing metal canopy. The large planter beds and sculptures in the diagram may not be removed. The small plants that currently sit in front of the stone blocks may be removed. The tent should not be removed.

The permanent stone blocks already create a barrier between the entry driveway and education corridor. Are we to design another barrier in addition to this? Or is our design supposed to incorporate these blocks?
The design can incorporate these stone blocks or may exist in front or behind it. The design may include the removal of these blocks in which case the removal and expense should be included in the proposal and proposal budget.

Does the spacing between each of the stone blocks that currently form the driveway barrier serve a purpose? Is Socrates Park opposed to a continuous barrier to separate driveway from educational space?
Currently the stone blocks define the space. Permeability, both visual sight lines into the Park and for pedestrian traffic, is important.

Does Socrates Park have any concerns/thoughts/desires about the height of the driveway barrier?
Yes. Both visual sight lines into the Park and for pedestrian traffic, is important.

How many classes run at once in the education corridor?
Typically there is one class at a time. It should be able to accommodate up to 60 kids standing at tables. Not all 60 kids would need to sit at one time

To what scale do you expect the education program to grow in the future? Do you expect a wider variety of classes? More attendants?
Currently, there are no plans to increase the size of the programming.

Where are the film screenings located and during which months?
The film screenings are not located in the Education Corridor but rather in the larger field on a free-standing screen. Film screenings need not be considered for this proposal.

GENERAL

Can teams apply?
Yes. Teams may apply. Please note that regardless of the number of team members, there is only a single production grant of $10,000.

Can non-New York residents apply? Can non-US citizens apply?
The competition is open to all architects and designers. However, please note that there are no funds available for travel or accommodations. Recipients who reside outside of the New York-metro area will be expected to provide their own travel and accommodations for the two-month residency.

Can I submit more than one proposal?
No. Individuals may only submit one proposal, either alone or as part of a team.

Is there additional funding?
Neither Socrates Sculpture Park nor The Architectural League provides additional funding.

What are the expectations and limitations for the proposals?
We are interested in many types of “functional follies” and design practices, which can include prefabrication, entire fabrication on site, or a combination of the two.

For how long will the winning entry be installed?
The intention for this year’s competition is to create a temporary structure that lives on beyond a typical installation. There is no defined amount of time the structure will be in place, but it should be designed for multi-season use.

SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK

Does the site change from year to year?
The site for the Folly Program has changed annually to reflect Socrates Sculpture Park’s exhibition programming. To download a site plan indicating the location of Folly 2016 within the park, click here. This year, the competition will focus on the “education corridor” on the southwest portion of the park near the front entrance.

What assistance does Socrates provide?
Socrates Sculpture Park’s Studio Manager will work with the winner to fully understand the demands and challenges of the folly construction timeline, maintenance and durability. It is up to the winner to secure materials, labor, construction, and other logistics, all within the allocated funding.

What tools does the Socrates studio provide?
The Socrates studio is a completely outdoor, public space with electrical and water access. The studio has many tools on site (such as welding and woodshop equipment) and Socrates staff will orient and train the winner on the best use of the studio and its tools during the residency and on-site installation. Please click here to download a complete list of available equipment.

How safe must the folly be? What liability do I have? Can the folly be an enclosed structure?
The folly structure must be able to withstand the wear and tear of extreme weather exposure (heavy rain, extreme heat, freezing cold, snow) and heavy public interaction. Socrates staff will work closely with the winning applicant to make any necessary structural modifications, suggestions, or additions.

For safety reasons, we will not select any proposal that enables the public to climb to unsafe heights, access hidden or enclosed spaces, or encounter sharp or otherwise hazardous protrusions. Socrates staff will require design modifications to any questionable design feature that poses a potential hazard to the general public.

How are building permits handled?
The staff of Socrates Sculpture Park will work with the winner to ensure that projects meet all necessary permitting and safety requirements.

How far may I dig into the ground? How much may I alter the terrain?
The park’s ground is one of the toughest obstacles to construction. Socrates Sculpture Park is located on a coastal landfill; the soil is hard, dense and full of concrete, making digging foundations and trenches difficult. We do not recommend proposing any major excavations or subgrade elements beyond footings and foundations.

How many people can I have working on the site?
As many as needed. We encourage winners to have as many helpers as desired.

Is there parking near the site?
Yes, there is street parking along Vernon Boulevard.

Can I have materials delivered to the site?
Yes, deliveries will be received during regular Socrates office hours, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We ask winners to please be available on site for any larger material deliveries, such as lumber or masonry, as Socrates Staff will not be able to negotiate the placement of these deliveries without the artists.

How late may I work onsite?
The park is open from 10 a.m. until sunset every day. Folly winners may work in the studio throughout that time, and special arrangements can be discussed if additional time is needed

Will I work with the other artists in residence?
Studio facilities are an open, shared work-space. The 2016 Emerging Artist Fellowship (EAF16) will overlap with the Folly Program and up to 15 artists-in-residence may be working in the studio during the Folly residency. Facilities will be shared between all of the artists.

Can I alter my design if I win the competition?
After winning the competition, the winners will work closely with Socrates Sculpture Park’s staff and site managers to understand the demands of the winning proposal and discuss possible issues with construction, materials, schedules and siting that may affect the final design.

THE ARCHITECTURAL LEAGUE OF NEW YORK

What support does The Architectural League provide?
The Architectural League oversees the juried competition. However, after the selection process, Socrates Sculpture Park takes over responsibility for working with the winners.

Will The Architectural League publicize the folly?
Yes, the League will publicize the project online and will compose a post-installation text, which may include an interview, with the possibility of a print and web release.