The competition is open to students in the fields of architecture, urban and regional planning, urban design, landscape architecture, economics, environmental science, engineering, and related disciplines

Now in its second year, Urban SOS gives students all over the world the opportunity for real engagement with issues facing built, natural and social environments. This year, we are exploring the topic of 'Transformations,' looking at seven cities in particular that are in the midst of a change or collection of changes that represent both challenges and opportunities to the shared futures of each city. 

The competition seeks creative, viable proposals for site redevelopment in one of seven cities: 

• Phoenix, Arizona, United States; 
• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 
• Beijing, China; 
• Port au Prince, Haiti; 
• Istanbul, Turkey; 
• São Paulo, Brazil; 
• Johannesburg, South Africa.

The five semi-finalists will receive a trip to the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona from November 3rd to 5th, where they will have the opportunity to present their ideas to a jury of industry, academic and AECOM professionals. 

The submission period is open until July 31, 2010. Semi-finalists will be announced September 15, and the winner(s) will be announced November 5. Visit www.aecom.com/urbansos for complete submission requirements.

The Urban SOS program continues a long tradition of dialogue between the student community and AECOM practitioners. The digital medium has opened this dialogue to a wider audience—last year, over 1,000 entrants from 239 colleges and universities in 64 countries participated.

Sabrina Kleinenhammans, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, won the 2009 competition with her proposal detailing a preemptive land-holding strategy for an agricultural and recreational green space network along transportation corridors in Mumbai, India.

Please browse through the following pages to learn more about the Urban SOS: Transformations competition, how and when to apply. All applications will be submitted via this website, via on online form here.