Student Ideas Competition at the Chicago Architecture Biennial

CAB's 5th Student Ideas Competition is accepting submissions from 7th-12th grade Chicagoland students through May 7, 2021.

Since 2015, CAB's Student Ideas Competition has encouraged middle and high school students to explore how design can play a role in creating shared spaces and improving communities. The Spring 2021 prompt—inspired by The Available City led by Artistic Director David Brown—asks young people to look to the needs of local communities as they imagine new uses for existing city sites or infrastructure.

How can existing urban spaces be reimagined to better reflect the needs and interests of local residents?

The prompt encourages innovative and creative solutions for how Chicagoans gather, learn, play, and move around the city that center hyperlocal input, interests, and needs. Proposed projects can be practical and possible, aspirational and inspirational, or a combination. The competition invites submissions that address architecture and the built environment through design, the humanities, visual and performing arts, or STEM fields; entries may include two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or performative components. 

The Student Ideas Competition is free to enter and open to 7th-12th grade students across the Chicagoland area. Winners will receive cash prizes up to $500 and more.

For complete details and resources, visit bit.ly/studentideascompetition