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Competition Objectives

1. The primary objective of the Gondwana Circle Design Competition is to generate a design solution that effectively educates visitors of all ages about the historical significance of Gondwana in relationship to the evolution and current horticultural communities of the Southern Hemisphere.
2. To provide visitors to the Garden with an understanding of:
   1. The concept of plate tectonics as related to Gondwana, and the corresponding concepts of plant migration, distribution and speciation.
   2. The role of geology, climate and other environmental factors, as presented in the nearby Ancient Plant Garden.
   3. The concept of convergent evolution, as evidenced by the other plant collections of the San Francisco Botanical Garden.
3. To introduce and present context to the adjacent Southern Hemisphere horticultural collections.
4. To provide a stopping point for the visitor inviting further exploration of the Botanical Garden.
5. To provide a design solution that incorporates a landscape architectural concept, hardscape (e.g. pathways, seating areas, and walls), planting, educational and interpretive signage, and a focal feature (e.g. sculpture, water feature, etc.).
6. To provide planting that supports the educational goals of Gondwana Circle and that is representational of a significant Southern Hemisphere horticultural collection.
7. To provide a design solution whose scale is sensitive to the surrounding gardens in terms of height and massing.
8. To provide a design solution that is compatible with the surrounding gardens and promotes sustainable, ecological horticultural practices.
9. To provide a design that creates a high-quality visual landmark for the Botanical Garden.