ASHRAEannounced that a system with the potential to set a new standard in the mechanical design industry has earned first place in its 2004 Student Design Competition. Undergraduate students were challenged to design an educational dramatic arts studio in Denver. Winners were announced in three categories - HVAC system design, HVAC system selection, and architectural design. Projects are evaluated on anticipated operating costs, environmental impact, comfort, health, creativity, and communication of results. First place in the HVAC system selection category was awarded to Nick Maffeo III, Jason Kramer, and Dave Peterson of The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. Their advisor is William Bahnfleth, Ph.D., P.E. First place in the architectural design category was awarded to Michael Oranchak and Keith Bryan of Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. Their advisor is Janice Means, P.E. First place in the HVAC system design category was awarded to Brad Green, Bhushan Joshi, John Lindman, Trevor Fink, Ray Wrobel, and Joseph Borders of Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Their advisor is Doug Zentz. First-place teams in each category will receive $1,500 and transportation and lodging costs for a representative to attend ASHRAE's 2005 Winter Meeting February 5-9, Orlando, to receive their awards. Each of the projects will be represented in a poster session during the meeting.