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Learning Labs

Upskilling for the Future

Student Planning and Design Competition

Monday, March 31, 2025
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM MT
Location: 405-407
CM: 1.25
Division Endorsement: Transportation Planning Division
The APA Urban Design and Preservation Division, Divisions Council, and Student Representatives Council cosponsor the annual Student Planning and Design Competition, which culminates in a final competition and winner selection at the 2025 National Planning Conference.

Now in its eighth year, the competition invites multidisciplinary teams of students pursuing graduate degrees in planning, public policy, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, and real estate development to create cutting-edge planning and design proposals. This year’s site is within the 46-acre cloverleaf interchange at Federal Boulevard and West Colfax Avenue, about two miles west of downtown Denver.

The intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Federal Boulevard is one of Denver's most-used intersections. The city has sought new opportunities for this site since the development of Mile High Stadium. This competition challenges student teams to propose specific planning and design recommendations for the site, informed by existing city and community goals. Three finalist teams present their proposals to the competition’s final jury of planning and design experts.

Learning Objectives:

  • Demonstrate key concepts and best practices in planning and design through student-led projects.
  • Participate in informed and constructive discussions about design solutions, using critical thinking to assess various approaches and suggest potential improvements.
  • Recognize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the planning and design process, and understand how teams work together to tackle complex urban challenges.