Force-Majeure 2021 | AIA Austin Competition

Whether act of God or a superior force, our society responds to and prepares for Force-Majeure scenarios on many different scales. It has become increasingly obvious in the past year that disasters, both natural and human-made, exacerbate inequities in our society by unequally limiting access to healthcare, green spaces, fresh food, transportation, and education for our most vulnerable populations. Strengthening our communities allows us to be more resilient in the face of future Force Majeure scenarios. How can we as design professionals help support and provide care for the most vulnerable groups of people in our society?

AIA Austin in partnership with Design Voice propose Force-Majeure, a design competition that addresses contemporary issues that are impacting our lives.

This competition is meant to serve as a tool that prompts intense thinking and tough discussion on how design can help mitigate crises. This year’s ideas competition is a multi-brief format that will challenge teams to think critically of how to design spaces that build community and provide support for our homeless neighbors in Austin, TX.

Austin is currently responding to a large-scale crisis resulting from a rapid increase in housing costs that has left many of our neighbors unhoused. The issue is coming to a head after the city voted in May to pass an ordinance that makes it a criminal offence punishable by a fine for anyone to sit, lie down, or camp in public areas and prohibits panhandling in certain locations. There is a desire from both sides of the election to support and house our unsheltered neighbors, and the city is in need of realistic long-term solutions.

Download the information related to this competition here.

Check out all competitions from here.