Are you currently enrolled in architecture, interior architecture, or landscape architecture program?
Florida International University opens its doors to students from U.S. and international universities to compete in the annual Walk on Water competition. The competition consists of designing and constructing floatable shoes that can be walked across Green Lake—a distance of about 350 feet!
Have questions or want to receive more information?
For 32 years, FIU Architecture students have participated-in and celebrated Walk on Water, a race founded and orchestrated by Professor Jaime Canaves. Each student designs and constructs shoes that will allow him/her to walk the length of the Green Lake at the heart of FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus.
Since 2016, FIU has opened the Walk on Water competition to students from across the country. Students from the University of Florida and Palm Beach State College have competed with FIU students for scholarships and were granted travel awards from our main sponsor, CGI Windows & Doors. In addition to the standard race awards, Walk on Water has awarded graduate assistant scholarships, travel scholarships for study abroad programs, and 1st place awards.
The event occurs every November with approximately 50 students participating in the race. A favorite activity of the Fall Semester, Walk on Water is attended by students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and media who watch with excitement as they cheer for the winners – and for the ones who fall in! Media and press outlets cover the event nationally and internationally.
10:30am-11:00am | Participant Check-In:
East side of Green Lake,
FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus,
11200 SW 8 ST, Miami FL 33199.
11:30am-12:30pm | RACE BEGINS!
12:45pm-3:00pm | Reception
Paul L. Cejas Architecture Building (PCA)
Courtyard & BEA Gallery
To design and build a pair of floating footgear that enables the wearer to “walk on water.”
Walk on Water is a competitive event in the style of a marathon race. Participants are positioned at the East side of the FIU Green Lake and “walk” across to the finish line at its West corner, a distance of 275 ft.
Architecture, interior architecture and landscape architecture students enrolled in Professor Jaime Canaves’ Materials & Methods of Construction course participate in the Walk on Water event as a class assignment. Students from other universities are also invited to participate in one race. FIU class students will participate in the FIU only race, and only a select number of them will be eligible to participate in the other race. $1,000 will go to the team or participant who crosses the finish line with the fastest time without falling into the water.
Walk on Water is made possible thanks to the generous contributions and support from our sponsors. The fund raising efforts of this marquee annual event have a direct and significant impact on the lives of FIU students.
Thank you for your support.
Cash donations go to student scholarships, travel awards, materials, and event expenses. Gift-in-Kind donations reward students and bring together alumni, community members, and the university at large in supporting talented students. Media sponsors help engage the local and national community to show what is happening at FIU as well as inspiring creative thinking and design. Give a one time cash donation to student scholarships. Provide a gift-in-kind donation for materials or supplies that will help elevate students building expenses. Donate media or advertising space to spread the word.
