Isn’t it time to create a better place for our kids to learn?

The American Institute of Architects, California, is delighted to announce the opening of the twelfth Architecture at Zero competition.  This competition focuses on decarbonization, equity, and resilience, and is open to students and professionals worldwide. This year’s challenge is to design a building on a middle school campus in East Los Angeles, California to replace portable classrooms.

While the competition site is Griffith STEAM Magnet Middle School, this year’s competition is an ideas competition and not a “real” project. Students and professionals participating in Architecture at Zero will design a new building that will replace relocatable classrooms with science labs, an art classroom, maker space, outdoor learning environments, and a teacher workroom.

“The American Institute of Architects California is enthusiastic to collaborate with the Los Angeles Unified School District on this important initiative in keeping with the organization’s commitment to sustainability, equity, and the fostering of future architects,” said AIA California President Winston L. Thorne, AIA.

This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Southern California Edison, SoCalGas and Pacific Gas and Electric, under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.  Partners include: Los Angeles Unified School District, California Architecture Foundation. AIA Los Angeles, AIA Students, California Energy Commission, CIE Foundation, IBPSA, and ASHRAE-San Jose.

Recognized entries will be awarded $25,000 in total prizes.  Competition entries will be juried by international experts including Allison Williams, FAIA; Lance Collins, AIA, a Director at Partner Energy; and Paul Torcellini, Principal Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The competition website provides robust tools for experienced professionals and students of all ages.  There is no fee for student entries.

Architecture at Zero strives to generate new, innovative ideas for a decarbonized future, helping California achieve its goal of having all new commercial construction be ZNE by 2030.

The competition deadline is December 16, 2024