"We applaud these students for coming up with such innovative submissions and pushing the boundaries of concrete in green building," said David Shepherd, Portland Cement Association's director of sustainable development. "Concrete's durability, energy efficiency and versatility make it an ideal building material for sustainable design. This competition clearly illustrates its many applications."

Winning students, their faculty sponsors and schools will receive cash prizes and software totaling nearly $50,000. Included in the prize package is StructurePoint, concrete design software, a retail value of nearly $10,000.

Prize-winning projects will be displayed at the 2009 ACSA Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon and at the 2009 American Institute of Architects Convention in San Francisco. In addition, a competition summary catalog will be available from ACSA in fall 2008.

First Place Winner--Recycling Center
Student: Antonio Vigil
University: University of New Mexico
Faculty Sponsor: Geoffrey Adams
Project Title: Mixed-use Recycling Center + Mercado

Jurors awarded Bell first place for his "innovative use of concrete."'The Mixed-use Recycling Center + Mercado makes a visual statement with its location near a busy highway and shopping district and provides a more sustainable venue for purchasing and exchanging goods

Additional Winners--Recycling Center

Honorable Mentions:
Students: Mary Stuckert & Maria Galarza
University: Texas Tech University
Faculty Sponsor: Bennett Robert Neiman
Project Title: Solid Direction: Concrete Thinking

Student: Dean Cowdrey
University: University of New Mexico
Faculty Sponsor: Geoffrey Adams
Project Title: Albuquerque Recycling Center

Student: Hon Cheung Wong
University: University of Southern California Faculty Sponsor: Warren Techentin Project Title: Oasis of Downtown: 110 Expo Recycling Center