Architecture and urbanism education is well-positioned to handle the demands of climate change in a creative and critical way. However, teaching and research that examines the sociocultural and geopolitical components of the crisis may suffer from instructional techniques that emphasise immediate applicability, frequently with a technical emphasis. This ultimately narrows the variety of strategies used to address climate change in professional practice. In response, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and the Temple Hoyne Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture are launching a competitive invitation for course proposals on the subject of “Architecture, Climate Change, and Society.”
The extensive range of course options offered at schools of architecture, from history seminars to visual studies and from design studios to building technologies, is a monument to the diversity of viewpoints, abilities, and instruments that, in the end, make up high-quality work in the industry. The urgency of the climate problem, on the other hand, can seem to demand a solitary concentration that is inimical to humanities-based critical inquiry or to longer-term creative and technical undertakings, especially when it overlaps with cries for environmental and racial justice. But we are looking for reality that redefines issues and allows for creative imagination.
Americas, as a plural, aids in decentering the idea of “American Architecture” in two ways: it links construction methods used throughout the Western Hemisphere and acknowledges the existence of many Americas inside the United States. The prize intends to further intersectional education on the subject of “Architecture, Climate Change, and Society” in the Americas today in this spirit.
PRIZE
A concept that is chosen by the jury will receive a cash award of $10,000. In order to collect the financial award, the winner must sign a contract promising to prove the course’s feasibility at their host school within two (2) years of the award’s distribution. Winners will also submit their final course outlines for publishing on the ACSA and Buell Center websites.
SUBMISSION
The following must be included in the final submission upload:
- Three-page course proposalThe course description, readings, or other sources list. And the work schedule for creating and implementing the course should all be included in the proposal. The proposed courses must be brand-new or substantially revised if they have already been taught. If the latter, kindly be specific about the suggested changes.
- Bios of the faculty members who are involved; the total length of the submission should not exceed two pages.
- a one-page letter of recommendation from the director of the architecture program.
- All documents must be provided in PDF format and should not exceed six (8.5″ x 11″) pages.
ELIGIBILITY
Faculty members at all ACSA member institutions who are in good standing are eligible to win the prize. Columbia University professors are ineligible.
The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) equivalent or NAAB certification is required for full participation in ACSA. All schools that have received NAAB and CACB accreditation are currently Full Members of ACSA.
Schools that are candidates for membership in the ACSA and are seeking accreditation may take part.
Other architectural programs are offered affiliate membership both in North America and internationally.
REVIEW PROCESS
The winning idea will be chosen by a jury from the Buell Center Advisory Board once they have reviewed all of the proposals. The Buell Center has the final say about jury selection.
Finally, find out more architecture competitions.
