Atelier C Launches Youth ArchiDesign Competition for International Students to Design an Instant Home

Hong Kong-based architecture studio Atelier C has unveiled the Youth ArchiDesign Competition to nurture sustainable architecture and design talent among young minds globally. This innovative competition invites international students aged 6 to 17 to envision and design an "instant home" that can be assembled within 24 hours.

Atelier C works with My ArchiSchool, a Hong Kong-based architecture school, to inspire the next generation of designers and architects. The competition seeks to give students a stage to express their creativity, display their skills, and participate in a worthwhile learning opportunity.

Atelier C emphasizes the importance of this competition as a crucial element of architectural education. "Being able to compete against others in the field is a valuable part of architectural education," notes Atelier C. The Youth ArchiDesign Competition is a unique opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, encouraging them to think innovatively and sustainably.

Designing the "Instant Home"

Participants are tasked with designing a home that accommodates both an adult and a child, emphasizing the practical aspects of daily life. The challenge is not just conceptual; it extends to the realm of feasibility, as the designed home must be capable of assembly within a tight timeframe of 24 hours. The specifications include two beds, a writing desk for the child's study area, a bathroom, and openable glass windows, underlining the need for functionality and comfort.

To bring their concepts to life, students must create a physical model using materials such as paper, foamboard, or recycled plastic. Additionally, participants must submit four photographs of their models. The competition also encourages the integration of digital tools, with participants required to create a digital model using software like SketchUp, Blender, or Rhino. A hand-drawn sketch of the home adds a personal touch to the submissions.

Beyond the tangible elements, students are challenged to express their creativity through an artwork depicting the home in any medium. A short text describing the project and a one-to-three-minute video illustrating the installation process complete the comprehensive submission requirements.

A Platform for Expression and Recognition

Entries will be submitted through Atelier C's 3DWOW Architecture Library's digital submission platform, providing a user-friendly and accessible avenue for students to showcase their imaginative designs. A jury of international judges will review the submissions, and the selected projects will be featured in an online library, offering recognition and exposure to young talents.

"Atelier C recognizes the scarcity of architectural design competitions tailored for students aged 6 to 17," acknowledges the studio. The Youth ArchiDesign Competition fills this gap, providing a unique opportunity for young individuals to delve into architectural design, enhancing their imagination, modeling skills, digital literacy, and writing abilities.

Educational Initiatives and Future Perspectives

Atelier C's commitment to fostering architectural education is evident through this competition and its recent launch of a new program via the 3DWOW Architecture Library portal. The program aims to make major components of architectural design processes accessible to children, emphasizing understanding architectural visualization using the latest software and physical model building. Notably, the program is being developed to support blind and visually impaired children, showcasing Atelier C's dedication to inclusivity and sustainability, sponsored by the Eva Chan Scholarship for Sustainable Development.

Collaborating with My ArchiSchool, Atelier C extends its educational reach through various in-person and online courses for adults, focusing on teaching 3D modeling and other essential skills. As the Youth ArchiDesign Competition unfolds, it becomes a testament to Atelier C's commitment to shaping the future of architecture through education, innovation, and inclusivity. The competition invites young minds to contribute their ideas, turning dreams of sustainable architecture into reality. In the process, it empowers the architects and designers of tomorrow, fostering a legacy of creativity and sustainability in the architectural landscape.