Grace Farms has partnered with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) to launch the Design for Freedom Competition for the 2024-2025 academic year. This competition focuses on eradicating forced labor from the building materials supply chain. The challenge is for architecture students to explore how their designs can help eliminate child and forced labor in the industry through architectural material research and design.
Category I: Design Project
Students are tasked with selecting a site and building program to apply the Design for Freedom Competition Principles and Toolkit. The aim is to create a design that promotes ethical and equitable construction practices.
Category II: Material Research
Students will explore material sourcing, investigate industry practices, and propose methods to shorten material supply chains, promoting transparency and ethical labor practices in the construction industry.
Awards and Recognition
The jury will select winning projects in Summer 2025, with $18,000 in total prize money distributed across both categories. Winning projects will also be featured at the 2026 ACSA Annual Meeting and the 2026 AIA National Convention.
Category I: Design Project
- 1st Place: $3,000 USD (Student), $1,500 USD (Faculty)
- 2nd Place: $2,000 USD (Student), $1,000 USD (Faculty)
- 3rd Place: $1,000 USD (Student), $500 USD (Faculty)
Category II: Material Research
- 1st Place: $3,000 USD (Student), $1,500 USD (Faculty)
- 2nd Place: $2,000 USD (Student), $1,000 USD (Faculty)
- 3rd Place: $1,000 USD (Student), $500 USD (Faculty)
Honorable mentions may also be awarded at the jury’s discretion.
Eligibility
The competition is open to all students from ACSA member schools worldwide. Students may participate individually or in teams and must have a faculty sponsor. No participation fee will be required.
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