2009 Open Architecture Challenge: Classroom
According to the World Bank, putting all children worldwide in school by 2015 will require the construction of ten million new classrooms spread over 100 countries. At the same time, millions of existing classrooms are in serious need of repair and refurbishment and will need to be upgraded. Meeting this need for learning spaces over the course of the coming decade will constitute, collectively, the biggest building project the world has ever undertaken. Let's get started.
We are all part of the answer.
This year's Open Architecture Challenge invites teachers, students and design professionals to work together to design the classroom of the future for their school.
It is a unique opportunity for faculty and students to partner with design professionals to create a safer, healthier and more sustainable learning environment and win up to $50,000 of funding to build or upgrade a classroom in their school.
It is time to take back the classroom! Get your school involved, and make your voice heard.
Get Involved
Teachers and Students
1. Team up with a local architect, builder, designer or architecture student and enter together. If your design wins, your school will receive up to $50,000 in funding to build or upgrade a classroom. Your school may enter as many designs as you like.
Looking for a design professional to partner with your class? Try reaching out to these groups.
Architecture for Humanity Chapters
American Institute of Architects - Chapters
American Institute of Architects - Architects
UIA Associations
2. Download the companion curriculum for primary and secondary students. Introduce your class to the world of architecture. Lesson plans cover basic concepts in structural design, sustainability , 3-D computer modeling and physical modeling (using recycled materials, naturally.)
3. During the challenge Global Nomads will facilitate video conferences to connect schools and architects.
Architects and Designers
1.Choose a primary or secondary school near you.
Enter the Challenge in partnership with a local school.
--or--2. Work with one of our building partner schools online.
3. Once you have registered, detailed challenge design criteria and materials will be made available to you. There is a $25 registration fee that goes to support the competition. Entries from developing nations are exempt from this fee.
If your design wins, you will receive a grant to help your partner school and they will also receive funding to turn your design into reality.
As a building professionals you can:
- share your design expertise and inspire school students to re-imagine their classroom
- help students learn about the built environment using a companion design curriculum
- become an advocate for better classroom design in your community
Challenge Sponsors:
AMD 50x15 Foundation | Autodesk | Google Sketchup | Graham Foundation | Irvin Stern Foundation
Challenge Partners:
Global Nomads | Curriki | Building Tomorrow | USGBC | CHPS | CEFPI | Do Something | Aspen Institute
Challenge Host:
About the Open Architecture Challenge
Each year Architecture for Humanity's Open Architecture Challenge design competition brings public attention to inequities in the built environment affecting the health, prosperity and well being of under-served communities. All invited to participate. The winning designs are awarded construction funding.
The Open Architecture Network and the Open Architecture Challenge are programs of Architecture for Humanity, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that seeks architectural solutions to humanitarian crisis and brings design services to communities in need.
For more information, please visit: www.architectureforhumanity.org
