Annual Sandbox Competition

These links are retained for reference to the 2026 competition cycle.

• 2026 Expression of Interest
• 2026 Submission Portal

Problem Statement

The professional challenge considered an existing suburban community expected to experience a significant demographic shift over the next 15 years, with a horizon year of 2040. The community would experience both an aging population and the introduction of new residents.

Professional teams were provided a specific tract and asked to develop a preliminary 3-5 page planning approach showing how People-Centered Mobility principles could be incorporated into the existing community. The primary focus was Aging in Place.

View Figures 2A + 2B - Professional

Aging in Place

For purposes of the competition, Aging in Place focused on designing communities so current residents can maintain independence, access necessary services, and live comfortably as they age.

Teams were asked to plan for demographic growth of 20 percent, with 50 percent of the resulting total population age 65 or older.

Goals of the People-Centered Mobility Transportation Plan

1. Develop a transportation planning approach that responds to the need for People-Centered Mobility.
   • Establish a common basis for decision-making using Context Sensitive Design and the Safe Systems Approach.
   • Prioritize people through design and plan for how all roadway users will be accommodated within the 2040 horizon year.
2. Propose future improvements that respond to the anticipated demographic shift.
   • Provide justification for safety improvements.
   • Consider solutions that reduce dependence on driving.
3. Identify pedestrian, active transportation, and safety improvements that increase mobility and accessibility.
4. Identify land-use and transportation improvements needed to support Aging in Place.

Professional Finalists

Two professional finalists advanced to the design phase and prepared presentations of their recommended improvements for the Joint ITE International and Great Lakes District Annual Meeting and Exhibition, July 19-22, 2026, at Huntington Place in Detroit.

Submission Guidelines

• Preliminary submissions were limited to 3-5 8½ x 11 pages, including covers, graphics, and images.
• One 11 x 17 page could be used for a supporting graphic and counted as one page.
• Methodology and transferability to other corridors were key judging considerations.
• Teams were expected to explain their thought process and justify planning and design decisions.
• 2026 Submission Portal

Problem Statement

The student competition considered an existing college campus or community expected to experience an increase in residential population over the next 15 years while also experiencing a reduction in available parking and vehicular accessibility.

Student teams were provided the subject location and asked to prepare a People-Centered Mobility Plan and conceptual roadway network that reduced reliance on personal vehicle movement and prioritized Movement and Place.

View Figures 1A + 1B - Student

Movement and Place

The challenge asked teams to balance the transportation function of streets with the role those places play in allowing people to live, walk, gather, and access destinations.

• What changes should be made to the overall network?
• Which corridors should better prioritize pedestrian movement?
• How should land uses be arranged to improve pedestrian access?

Goals of the People-Centered Mobility Transportation Plan

1. Prepare a planning approach and conceptual roadway network that improves People-Centered Mobility.
   • Develop a roadway context classification for campus roadways.
   • Develop a Movement and Place framework.
   • Establish a common basis for decision-making.
2. Identify and describe transportation system needs.
   • Develop a project vision and goals.
   • Identify, discuss, and address key challenges.
3. Prepare planning and design strategies that apply Safe Systems principles.
   • Identify pedestrian, active transportation, accessibility, and safety improvements.
   • Identify roadway and transportation infrastructure improvements that support Movement and Place.
   • Identify a critical campus location where Safe Systems improvements can prioritize People-Centered Mobility.
4. Demonstrate how the team's approach and solutions could be transferred to other universities or campuses.

Student Finalists

Two student teams advanced to present their proposed People-Centered Mobility designs at the Joint ITE International and Great Lakes District Annual Meeting and Exhibition, July 19-22, 2026, at Huntington Place in Detroit.

Submission Guidelines

• Submissions were limited to ten 8½ x 11 pages, including covers, graphics, and images.
• One 11 x 17 page could be used for a supporting graphic and counted as one page.
• Methodology and transferability were key judging considerations.
• Teams were expected to explain their thought process and justify their planning and design decisions.
• 2026 Submission Portal