Prototype for the Future: Affordable Neighborhood Housing Solutions

As cities across the United States work to support affordable housing solutions, architects and designers play a pivotal role in creating safe and healthy environments. To challenge designers and communities to support family-focused housing options, this student design competition asks participants to envision how a single-family townhouse unit solution can serve as a prototype to create affordable housing options within neighborhoods.

This inaugural competition is focused on the metro area of Long Beach, California where there is a large demand for affordable housing. This coastal city located in southern California is part of the Los Angeles metro area and home to one of the country’s busiest seaports. With a population estimate of over 450,000 with 15.1% living in poverty, the city has a need to serve thousands of families*.

The City of Signal Hill is surrounded by Long Beach and represents an area where underdeveloped parcels can be used to infill housing and create neighborhoods with nearby elementary schools.

*U.S. Census Bureau quickfacts: Long Beach City, California; United States. Accessed January 31, 2024. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/longbeachcitycalifornia,US/PST045222. 

The competition is open to all active members of the AIAS. Submissions will be accepted by individuals or design teams (two members maximum).

Competition details