Inclusive design wins big in 2016 I Look Up Film Challenge

The 2016 edition of the AIA's I Look Up Film Challenge recently concluded with the announcement of the three top-prize winners during the Architecture and Design Film Festival in New York. Participants only had a month to team up, find a story, and create a short film that responded to the open-ended prompt of “demonstrating architecture as a solution”. 

Out of 47 participating teams, the winning prizes went to “ARCH 335: Rebuilding Medcamps”, “20x10”, and “Build Back Better”. The winning films will be publicly screened during the upcoming SXSW Eco in Austin on October 12 followed by the 2017 AIA National Convention in Orlando. By the way, the People's Choice vote ends today! Vote for your favorite entries here.

Learn more about the winning film entries below.

1st prize: “ARCH 335: Rebuilding Medcamps” submitted by Brad Deal, Robert Brooks and Michael Tolar

Set in Choudrant, Louisiana, this film profiles the work of the Louisiana Tech University's Design Build Studios in constructing Medcamps of Louisiana. Medcamps is a non-profit group that lets children who are chronically ill or have disabilities experience summer camp for free. The project is a learning experience for both the Design Build Studios students and the camp children — an ever-important reminder of prioritizing inclusivity in design projects.

Watch the film here.

2nd prize: “20x10” submitted by Patrick Higgins and Kurt Hanley

Submitted by filmmakers Patrick Higgins and Kurt Hanley, “20x10” is about providing shelter as well as creating a community for chronically homeless individuals in Austin, Texas. The film talks about how micro-home designs can be one possible solution for homeless people to establish roots in a comfortable environment.

Watch the film here.

3rd prize: “Build Back Better” submitted by OPN Architects

Residents of Cedar Rapids in Iowa had to deal with destructive floods that swept through their town in June 2008. This film, submitted by OPN Architects and filmmaker Sam Fathallah, documents the community's recovery process in the aftermath. OPN Architects has aided through analyzing the flooded spaces as well as conducting a citywide participation process to rebuild.

Watch the film here.

All screenshot images via AIA I Look Up Film Challenge.