Future of work

"It has become quite clear that things won't be back to way it used to be."

COVID-19 has uprooted almost every aspect of our lives in the first half of 2020. With our collective efforts, are beginning to adapt to this new reality of post pandemic economy.

60% of work force in North America responded that their work can be done remotely, and top companies are offering employees to work remotely indefinitely if preferred.

Adapting to the New Reality

Technology played a critical role in allowing workers to transition to remote work. Attached graph indicates a dramatic shift in the use of video conferencing platforms and the fierce competition to dominate the market during this moments of uncertainty.

“Rarely is architecture more impactful in shaping our livelihoods than in the times of uncertainty.”

One may dare say that this kind of upheaval in society has never happened since the World Wars. During the post war period, the combination of housing shortage and industrial manufacturing process influenced the minimal and modular looks of Modernism, which came to dominate the present world. Of course, much has changed since then, and perhaps the old ways are ill-suited to respond to the current events.

A Design Opportunity

While office towers stand empty, the housing market remains unaffordable to many. Some celebrate their new found freedom from the shackles of commute while  others lament the struggle to find work life balance.

These unique circumstances are likely to persist. Its a new opportunity for this generation of designers to reinvent ways we live and occupy.

"What is the future of work? How will it look and operate? Inventions of today is likely to shape lives for the generations to come."

Requirements

Fee: this challenge is free to enter. 

  Design brief: entrants are asked to propose a innovative work-live condition for a profession of their choosing (ei. painter, dancer, potter). Proposals may range from interior design to an entire building. The design should enable and enhance the professional activity, while allowing occupants to parallel regular daily routines (ei. eat, sleep, relax). The jury looks favorably upon experimental and unconventional designs. Submission: entrants may add minimum of 3 images in a single Instagram post to illustrate the project, and write a short description of the proposal in text. Once ready, you can simply post the illustrations on your Instagram account with this exact quote in the description:

This is my entry for @archi.hacks #challenge2020august

Deadline: August 28th at midnight PDT

Prizes

All the awarded proposals (winners and honorable mentions) will be published on architectural magazines and websites for international exhibitions (see partners). In addition, the top 3 winners will receive a copy of theCompetition Yearbook. 

Winners will be announced at the end of the month on our website and social media. Make sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss any announcements!