The 2021 Chicago Architecture Biennial announces its Student Ideas Competition winners

Hosted by the Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB), the CAB Student Ideas competition invites middle school and high school students from the Chicagoland area to explore and submit design proposals that can help play a role in "creating shared spaces and improving communities." 

This year's brief asked students: "How can existing urban spaces be reimagined to better reflect the needs and interests of local residents?" Following the Biennial's theme The Available City, led by Artistic Director David Brown, the competition jury awarded first, second, and third place winners via a virtual ceremony. Student winners received cash and technology prizes.

Below are this year's winners and honorable mentions.

FIRST PRIZE - THE FLOATING VILLAGE

Design Team: ACE Chicago Team 5
Instructor: Hiba Bhatty and Matt Gilbert
School: Multiple

SECOND PRIZE - PERSPECTIVE TOWER

Design Team: Owen Summers
Instructor: Mr. Devin Mays
School: Chi-Arts (Chicago High School for the Arts

THIRD PRIZE: GROCERY GARDEN - A Bodega for North Lawndale

Design Team: Rosina Iniguez, Ian Hudson, and Jason Hart
Instructor: David Rader
School: Jones College Prep and Muchin College Prep

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Arts Center at North Lawndale by Chloe Acosta, Maya Diaz, Angelynn Jimenez, Montserrat Lopez, Daveon Merrick, Devin Otto, Dominic Ridarelli, Max Rojas, Nicholas Tam, and Michael Wangler
• Arts N Parts - North Lawndale by Sebastian Aguilar-Ripley, Ayomide Ajayi, David Davila, Alejandro De la Fuente, Marshall Ellis, Thomas Lawless, Eduardo Mora, Earl Christian Valzado, and Wynton Wright
• Austin 2.0 by Ari Bates, Lazaria Brewer, Denim Cole, D'aja Dudley, Tyshawn Harris, Thelonious Johnson, Kenyatta Jordan, Keeontaye Mack, Stephanie Nelson, Jamesha Sumler, and Tiya Walls
• Chicagrow by Kaleia Maxey and Sabine Ramirez
• Modular Reimagination by Fernando Cisneros, Daniel Morales, and Elias Frey Reschly
• Safe Pedestrian Pathway Near South Shore's Grand Crossing by Sandra Varona
• Steam Park by Mia Fritsch-Anderson and Nina L.

To learn more about the 2021 CAB Student Ideas Competition and all its winners click here.