ACC Architecture Duo Wins 2026 MOA Competition

"Through the Looking Glass": immersive, Alice in Wonderland–inspired space beneath a sculptural mushroom canopy by Nikki Nolan and Andrew Emerson

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) Architecture students Andrew Emerson and Nikki Nolan won first place in the Museum of Outdoor Arts 2026 Design and Build Competition.

Emerson and Nolan's winning design, "Through the Looking Glass", reimagined a performance pavilion for Greenwood Village's Marjorie Park as an immersive, Alice in Wonderland–inspired space beneath a sculptural mushroom canopy. The win carries a $10,000 award, as well as a 5-year design license.

The annual competition is open to undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in any college or university throughout the nation. The 2026 theme, “Soundscapes in Structure”, challenged entrants to design a state-of-the-art amphitheater bandshell that merges acoustic excellence with bold visual identity while exploring the intersection of architectural innovation and geometric harmony within the context of a live performance space. Submissions were required to prioritize unique aesthetics, sustainability, accessibility, and feasibility within a proposed project budget of no more than $500,000.

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