Outer Space: Visions of the Near Future

Blank Space is thrilled to announce the inaugural Outer Space competition in partnership with ArchDaily, Archinect, and Bustler. The winners will be selected by a jury that includes astronaut Chris Hadfield, David Benjamin, Studio Drift and Chris Precht.

Outer space has always captured the imaginations of the general public. New advances in technology (including comet landings, the Orion Spacecraft, and large scale social experiments leading to a Mars exploration) mean that outer space is no longer a place only astronauts will get to experience - but something you and I can experience within our lifetime.

For a long time, the fantastical visions of space exploration have been rooted in the sci-fi proposals of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Ring worlds, death stars, and space colonies conjure vibrant, psychedelic visions of the future from yesteryear. Since then, advances in space technology have multiplied exponentially. Are these retro visions still the best representation of our future in the stars?

“The best way to contribute to a brand-new environment is not by trying to prove what a wonderful addition you are.” says jury member Chris Hadfield “It’s by trying to have an [additive] impact, to observe and learn from those who are already there, and to pitch in with the grunt work wherever possible.”

The Outer Space competition is seeking proposals that envision space exploration in the near future (100-200 years). What kinds of structures will be developed to move, house and sustain people? How will robotics, AI, autonomous spacecraft, and satellites enhance our reach?

The most successful entries in the competition will leverage the real scientific advances being made today to create fantastic visions for the near future. Show the world that design is not an afterthought - but can be the best catalyst for envisioning our collective future.

Entries in the competition will be judged by some of the world’s most preeminent astronauts, scientists and scholars - including Chris Hadfield @colchrishadfield, David Benjamin @theliving.studio and Edoardo Tresoldi @edoardotresoldi.

Follow Blank Space on Instagram @blankspacenyc and Facebook @blankspaceproject where we will regularly post news and inspiration related to space exploration.

COMPETITION FORMAT

The submission requirements for the Outer Space competition are simple. Each submission will combine 5 11”x17” images (landscape or portrait) with a short narrative of 800-1400 words. The narratives can be fictional or non-fictional - they are not a simple explanation of the proposal, but should be as immersive as the 5 images. The best narratives are read as a single coherent text and not 5 short sections associated with the 5 images.

Entrants are encouraged to study new technology trends and utilize these as the backbone for their submissions. Take cutting-edge technology, theories and science and use them to power an architectural vision. There are no programmatic or location requirements for the submissions, it is completely up to you to choose the location, time, and scale of your project.

Participants can register for a $40 Early Bird Discount until March 7th. Following that, Regular Registration ($55) will be open until May 10th, and Late Registration ($70) until the Submission Deadline on June 7th, 2019.

To register for Outer Space 2019 and for more detailed information, please visit: www.blankspaceproject.com

To download a copy of the brief: https://bit.ly/2GX19FP