Open Architecture Network

About the Challenge

Each year the Open Architecture Challenge harnesses the creativity and energy of the design community to address a different systemic issue facing those living in underserved communities. The Open Architecture Challenge is an international design competition that reaches beyond the traditional bounds of architecture by challenging architects, designers and others to improve the living conditions of those living on less than $2 a day.

The inaugural challenge was sponsored by AMD through 50x15 Initiative. 50x15 is a global initiative founded by AMD to enable affordable Internet access and computing capability for 50 percent of the world's population by the year 2015. The challenge focused on the design and construction of technology centers that will help a broad cross-section of a community realize greater educational, social and business opportunities via the Internet.

The winning solution of the AMD Open Architecture Challenge will be built under the 50x15 Initiative Learning Lab program; 50x15 Learning Labs are technology-based projects used to gain knowledge on how best to foster digital inclusion in a specific region. The winning design for one site will be constructed with generous support from AMD and used as a flagship model of successful design for the construction of digital inclusion structures. Additional facilities will be constructed for the other two sites and replicated for additional community partners as funding becomes available. Ideas alone cannot create real social and economic change and we believe by building sustainable and replicable solutions we can truly make a difference.