The Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) is an independent academic institution dedicated to fostering a leadership role in acting as a laboratory for testing new ideas about the possible roles of designers in a global society. GSAPP's goal is not a certain kind of architecture but a certain evolution in architectural intelligence, and is united in its commitment to the global evolution of the 21st century city. The school uses explorative studio projects, working in different directions and 'reporting back' through juries, exhibitions, and publications. With continually evolving research trajectories, the school operates as a multi-disciplinary think tank, an intelligent organism thinking its way through the uncertain future of the discipline and the global society it serves. For more information, visit www.arch.columbia.edu.

Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its members, and partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation's natural, historical, and cultural heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit npca.org.

Van Alen Institute (VAI) is an independent nonprofit architectural organization whose mission is to promote inquiry into the processes that shape the design of the public realm. The Institute develops programs that inform debate through design competitions and fellowships, related forums, publications and exhibitions.

VAI has sponsored, managed and facilitated regional and national public design competitions since 1904 – identifying critical issues and contested sites and developing responsive partnerships so that designers, policymakers, journalists, students, and interested citizens can better understand and engage the public sphere. The Van Alen Institute competitions program includes related conferences, forums and public exhibitions, and the entire process is synthesized in the publication of the Van Alen Report. For more information, visit www.vanalen.org.

Sponsor: The Tiffany & Co. Foundation
The design competition is being underwritten by The Tiffany & Co. Foundation. The Tiffany & Co. Foundation made a major philanthropic gift to the National Parks Conservation Association to support the public design competition for Gateway National Recreation Area. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.tiffanyandcofoundation.org.