A design competition hosted by the School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape (SAPL) at the University of Calgary asked participants, "how might matters of equity and activism, ecology and environment, and health and wellness converge, and unfold, within our future cities?" Launched in October 2020, the CBDX: CITIES FOR ALL competition is an initiative led by the school to tackle larger issues within the design community and foster innovative changes for the future of city building. 

Assistant professor Alberto de Salvatierra, inaugural faculty lead and jury chair explained, "Cities—which often ossify systemic inequities through the built environment — have become the fulcrum upon which movements for equity and justice have found increasing leverage. Solutions must come from, and be for, everyone. This competition provides a platform to highlight how architects and designers might address underrepresented and marginalized voices."

The result of the competition led to 145 design submissions from 108 cities representing 26 different countries. The jury consisted of architecture leaders such as Kimberly Dowdell, Shelly McNamara, Hanif Kara, and Alvin Huang. Below are the three project winners and their project descriptions. The three winning projects will receive $2,000 (CAD), publication in the inaugural CBDX issue, and their work exhibited in a curated exhibition led by the school.

"Process not Product" by Mattie Wong

Project Description: "What would a design school for higher education look like if our history was properly faced and future possibilities embraced without fear? This project delves into these questions while proposing a campus that responds to and meets the needs of the community in the Anacostia neighborhood in Washington, D.C."

"Brewing Flower Power" by Diana Guo, Joanne Li, Tian Wei Li

Project Description: "Recalling the geometries of the first tearooms run by women, such as the Willow Tea Room in the U.K. and the condiments that accompany tea beverages (ice and sugar cubes), our cubic pavilion is a Winter Teaporium celebrating the important role of tearooms in advancing women’s rights and the feminist claim to public space since the 1800s."

"2050 Lagos Amphibious City" by Gi Chul Choe, Joanne Li

Project Description: “2050 Lagos: Amphibious City” envisions a new Lagoon City along the interior coastline of Victoria Island that ensures equitable housing and food security for both displaced and existing populations under climate change and the pandemic. 

U Calgary's Dean John Brown shares his thoughts on the competition. "The climate crisis and social inequality have converged against the backdrop of a pandemic, prompting us to rethink the way cities are being designed, built, and operated [...] The ideas generated from this competition offer a glimpse into how a city for all might look, how it might operate, and how it might come into being.”

To view all the winning projects, including honorable mentions and finalists click here.