A teen-focused competition for young designers kicks off in Civic tomorrow – but entries close today.

The brainchild of the Australian Institute of Architects’ ACT Chapter, the idea is to share ideas for revitalising Garema Place in the city’s centre.

A part of the huge Design Canberra Festival that opened last night at the Portrait Gallery and which runs until from November 29, the Archi-TEENS (for which architecture, not Archibald) competition invites high school and college students to submit proposals for either built works and installations or events and activities that could activate the significant public space in the heart of the city.

The competition is free to enter and open to teams of up to five students with prizes up to $1000 on offer for first, second and third prize winners in each category.

Competition Director Janet Thomson says, “Despite brief moments hosting public events and festivals, throughout much of the year, Garema Place lacks activity…The competition will draw upon the talents of Canberra’s high school and college students recognising young people as key and active contributors to design outcomes in urban and public spaces.”

There will be a public exhibition of all entries at Shopfront X2 in Garema Place on Saturday and Sunday November 28-9, where members of the public will have the chance to vote for their favourite entry in the People’s Choice Award. An awards ceremony will be held in Garema Place on Sunday, when the winners will be announced.

For Archi-TEENS: Registration for the competition closes today Friday  November 20, visit architecture.com.au