Virtual Exhibition Image Still of 2020 2x8 Exhibition. Image © Garet Ammerman/Courtesy of AIA|LA 2x8 Exhibition

Since the launch of the first-ever 2x8 Exhibition in 2002, AIA Los Angeles and the 2x8 exhibition team have dedicated their time and effort to curate an eclectic mix of student work showcasing the very best California architecture schools have to offer. 

What makes the 2x8 Exhibition so unique is its focus on providing a unique experience for students across as many as 20 schools to showcase their studio work. In addition to a detailed curation of student projects, the 2x8 also highlights faculty work thanks to its open call for site installations. Before the event, faculty are invited to submit their plans for a site-specific installation that will accompany the selected student works.

Although 2020 was filled with much adversity, architecture students across the country adapted to the challenges. They transitioned to remote learning as they strived to stay motivated and dedicated to their architectural education. This year, since in-person events have been put on hold, AIA Los Angeles and the dedicated members of the 2x8 Exhibition have remained flexible and focused as they create the first-ever 2x8 Virtual Exhibition and Scholarship Award Ceremony. To learn more about the upcoming event Archinect dives into the 2x8 archives to revisit past projects, scholarship winners, and the 2x8's mission.

California is home to a rich architectural history, but it also houses some of the best and brightest architecture students. With student submissions from private and public institutions, the heart of 2x8's mission is creating a platform for student exhibition and scholarship. In short, 2x8 celebrates the state's "unequaled diversity in pedagogical directions, each of the participating academic programs selects two student projects that epitomize their core vision," according to its event organizers.

For the first time, 2020 has brought a new meaning to events and exhibitions. Although the recent pandemic has caused event teams to transition into a virtual format, the team at 2x8 will showcase selected student work in a dynamic virtual exhibition. On November 5th, projects from 16 California-based architecture programs will have the opportunity to showcase their work and receive scholarships to further their academic endeavors. 

The 2020 2x8 Virtual Exhibition offers an untethered gallery experience within a field of equally accessible student pods distributed by a graphic scaffolding. The exhibition is both aesthetically specific yet hierarchically indeterminate. -Garet Ammerman

The 2x8 Exhibition goes digital

Unique to the 2x8 Exhibition is the open calls for its exhibition design. Earlier this year, the planning team presented open calls directed towards faculty members from Los Angeles architecture schools to showcase their work as it complements their students' work. These immersive site designs are often visually captivating and interactive due to its mission towards re-use and sustainability. 

With in-person exhibitions put on hold, the 2x8's chosen exhibition designer, Garet Ammerman, adjusted his in-person site design to accommodate the event's new virtual format. Ammerman, a SCI-Arc alum and lecturer at Cal Poly Pomona shared, “There is no entry or exit, no ground floor or penthouse; there is only x, y, z. The 2020 2x8 Virtual Exhibition offers an untethered gallery experience within a field of equally accessible student pods distributed by a graphic scaffolding. The exhibition is both aesthetically specific yet hierarchically indeterminate. Typography and materials coalesce through an exaggerated perspective. Students’ drawings and 3d models reside within uniquely shaped pods and visitor mobility between projects is purposefully undefined...”

The first 2x8 Exhibition, "Next Phase," was launched in 2002 at the A+D Museum in Santa Monica. Since then, the exhibition has welcomed designs from the likes of Clay Holden, Julia Koerner (UCLA School of Architecture and Urban Design faculty), and Matthew Gillis, amongst others. Now in its 14th iteration, the 2x8 welcomes a new format that hopes to carry-on the energy of previous exhibitions.

Architectural academy has faced with much adversity during this year; however, with its upcoming virtual student exhibition and awards ceremony, the 2x8 team persevered and developed a one of a kind experience for participants from across the globe to enjoy.

2x8: Domum | A preview of student work

Year after year, the AIA|LA and its 2x8 exhibition committee have developed a progressive exhibition program to position the diverse work of Los Angeles architecture academia for all to see. While 2020 welcomed a new realm of virtual galleries and the 2x8 Exhibition will continue to thrive as a "springboard for designers to introduce themselves to LA and the world."

This year's jury consists of Jennifer Bonner, MALL + Harvard GSD, Marc McQuade, Adjaye Associates, and Paul Petrunia of Archinect. With student submissions from 16 participating schools, 2x8 will be awarding $30,000 divided amongst the chosen recipients. As architectural academia and exhibitions enters the realm of virtual galleries, the 2x8 Exhibition will continue to thrive as a "2x8 has been a springboard for designers to introduce themselves to LA and the world." 

Below is a selection of student work to be featured at this year's virtual exhibition.

While 2020 welcomed a new realm of virtual galleries and the 2x8 Exhibition will continue to thrive as a "springboard for designers to introduce themselves to LA and the world."

Don't miss your chance to view this year's 2020 2x8 Student Exhibition. Free and open to the public the Virtual Exhibit opening and Scholarship Awards Ceremony will be on November 5th from 6 pm - 7 pm PST. Click here to RSVP for the event.