Post by Designworks, A BMW Group Company

We’re proud to announce the 2026 Rising Talent Program. In partnership with LA-Tech.org, we’re joining forces with BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group, Gensler and Metropolis Technologies to mentor university students from across Los Angeles studying design and creative innovation. This year’s challenge celebrates the centennial spirit of Route 66, asking students to re-envision “The End of the Trail” in Santa Monica through the transformation of a single parking space into an interactive destination for travelers, locals and the next generation of urban experiences. We’re excited to collaborate with our partners and support this talented cohort as their ideas evolve from concept to reality. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes process moments and the students’ final proposals. Looking forward to the next 100 years of Route 66 - GO LA! *Shoutout to last year’s cohort of talented students, pictured here, and special thanks to the City of Santa Monica, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis, Esq. for all their support! #designchallenge #designstudents #route66 #designcollaboration #100yearsofroute66 #losangelesdesign #futureoflosangeles #industrialdesign #architecture #worldbuilding #digitaldesign #spatialdesign #urbandesign