The Landmark Challenge — a contest for architects to transform Ames’ power plant into a local landmark — was answered by 115 proposals, including one from an ISU student.

Judges reduced the number to 30 semifinalists last weekend. Among those selected was Arpan Bakshi, senior in architecture.

The final decision will be made in July.

Clare Bills, public relations officer for the City of Ames, said many of the designs were rejected because they didn’t meet building criteria.

“Other designs obstructed the doors — which is impractical because it’s still going to be a working power plant,” she said. The plant is located at 200 E 5 St.

Bakshi said his design is unique because the plant will have a different meaning depending on which direction a person is looking from.

“The design has several different scales,” Bakshi said. “The plant will be perceived differently from all sides.”

The west side of the plant faces Main Street, the historical district of Ames, Bakshi said.

“Although it’s the focal point of Main Street, it doesn’t offer any closure,” he said.

Bakshi’s solution is to incorporate Ames’ history into the west side by displaying historical holographic murals of Ames and Iowa State.

This will be accomplished by firing lasers into holographic glass and using the power plant’s original masonry as the backdrop.

“It’ll create a balance of historical context and monumentality,” he said.

The south side of the plant faces the commercial side of Ames, “So I designed that side with visitors of Ames in mind,” Bakshi said. “The south side will feature an immense use of glass, which will be seen all the way from Highway 30. We’ll use more holographic glass to depict different historical moments in Ames and ISU. This will give visitors the impact of a monument that defines the city.”

The east side of the building is the least prominent side, Bakshi said, which means few residents see this side.

“Only outsiders, most of them on the interstate will see this side. We’ll feature a reflective glass surface,” he said, if his design is selected by the city.

The north side of the building is where employees enter the power plant. If Bakshi’s design is chosen it will feature the same type of ceramic tile used on Main Street.

“The idea of the similar tile is to make the plant an extension of Main Street, creating stronger ties with the historical district and city hall — giving it the perception of an important institution,” he said.

“I want to give it the feeling of importance because the plant has a vital role in energy conservation and has higher causes than supplying energy.”

Bakshi is confident of his design and said it is definitely unique.

“The spirit of my design is the coalescence of three things,” he said. “First, it’ll have a strong historical context and sensitivity to the fabric of Ames. Second, it won’t only be a landmark, but a celebration of Ames’ history and uniqueness,” he said. “Third, my design will show the plant’s role as a part of Ames’ history. It’ll be an external manifestation of its internal, functional role.”