The Competition

CHIDESIGN IS AN OPEN INTERNATIONAL IDEAS COMPETITION, ADJUDICATED BY A DISTINGUISHED JURY OF DESIGN AND EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS.

Competitors will propose a facility that includes the new headquarters, visitor center and exhibition spaces of the Chicago Architecture Foundation; a new headquarters for the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH); a design and allied arts high school; and flexible learning spaces for out-of-school-time youth programs.

The Center for Architecture, Design and Education (CADE) will be a new kind of learning campus that simultaneously serves as a welcoming center for 600,000 annual Chicago visitors; provides a learning environment that equips young people to be stewards for the built environment in the 21st Century (and beyond); and is a hub for community engagement.

The Challenge

THIS COMPETITION CHALLENGES ENTRANTS TO IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP SOLUTIONS FOR THE DESIGN OF A CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN AND EDUCATION (CADE)

CADE will reaffirm the crucial role architecture and design play in the future of Chicago and will serve as a model for future learning environments that not only improve student achievement but act as catalysts for vibrant community engagement around local design challenges and opportunities. In order to demonstrate the opportunity of a new educational model, the design of CADE will need to integrate four major programmatic areas:

CAF HEADQUARTERS & CULTURAL PROGRAMMING

The Center for Architecture, Design and Education will inspire millions through the story of Chicago’s design legacy and architectural innovation, as well as Chicago’s leading role in the on-going creation and understanding of tall buildings around the world. CADE will provide a new home for the Chicago Architecture Foundation and allow CAF to grow as a cultural institution by offering more tours, programs, exhibitions, field trips, curricula and online tools, not only to the Chicago community but also to visitors and the international community alike.

CTBUH HEADQUARTERS & PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMMING

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) is the world’s leading resource for professionals focused on the inception, design, construction, and operation of tall buildings and future cities. CADE will house the CTBUH headquarters and accommodate professional development programs for architects, engineers, urban planners, developers and contractors around the world.

DESIGN AND ALLIED ARTS HIGH SCHOOL

The design and allied arts high school will provide well designed, technology-rich, in-school learning spaces, for up to 600 high school students, that motivate learners and promote learning as an activity, support collaborative as well as formal practice, provide personalized and inclusive environments and are flexible in the face of changing needs. The design of CADE will go beyond traditional models of school design, enabling, facilitating and amplifying program optimization and shared space potential between formal and informal education providers.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL-TIME YOUTH PROGRAMMING

Utilizing community mentors to work on real-world problems, CADE will foster innovative out-of-school-time programs designed to help students become better stewards for their city. CADE will include: a youth-run entrepreneurial space, youth-centered learning space, civic performance spaces, a learning garden, kitchen and cafe.

History

The Tribune competition is one of many testaments to Chicago’s rich architectural legacy. To celebrate this history, experts and enthusiasts from around the globe will converge in Chicago for North America’s first architecture Biennial from October 2015 to January 2016. The Biennial’s theme, “State of the Art of Architecture,” celebrates contemporary architectural achievement with large-scale exhibitions featuring new generations of the world’s leading architectural talents coupled with a rich offering of public programs that include an extensive network of local cultural partners.

To capture the spirit of the Biennial and rekindle Chicago’s history of significant competitions, the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF), is sponsoring ChiDesign, and will host an exhibition comprising a curated shortlist of submissions during the Biennial.

Jurors

Prizes

1st Prize

$10,000

2nd Prize

$5,000

3rd Prize

$2,500

Student Awarded Cash Prize

$1,000

Competition Schedule

Deadlines

Questions Due

Registration Closes / Questions Answered

Late Registration Closes

Submissions Due

Jury and Student Committee meet to review submissions

Exhibition Opens

Exhibition Reception / Winners Announced

Exhibition Closes

Resources

Lyon, G. (2015).“Changing the Outcomes: School Design Principles for the Next Generation of Chicago’s Learners.” Copyright 2015. Chicago Architecture Foundation.

View PDF

After School Alliance. (2015). “AfterSchool Programs: Inspiring Students with a Connected Learning Approach.” Copyright 2015. After School Alliance.

View PDF

Connected Learning Research Network and Digital Media & Learning Research Hub. “Connected, Equitable, Social and Participatory Learning.” Retrieved July 9, 2015.

View Infographic

O’Donnell et al. (2010). “The Third Teacher.” Abrams Books. New York, NY. Free downloadable excerpt from the book on The Third Teacher website.

VIEW EXCERPT

Rosenfield, K. (2015, June 12) “MVRDV Wins Competition to Design Zaanstad Cultural Cluster.”

View Resource

Jisc. (2016) “Designing Spaces for Effective Learning: A guide to 21st Century learning space design.” Copyright 2006. Higher Education Funding Council for England.

View Guide

American Architecture Foundation. “Center for the Advancement of Architecture Center: Design for Learning.” Retrieved July 9, 2015.

View Resource

Youth Wellness Campus. “The Campus: Renowned architect Steven Holl Envisions the Future.” Retrieved July 9, 2015.

View Resource

Sponsors