This post is brought to you by Architecture at Zero 2024

The American Institute of Architects California (AIA CA) invites students and professionals worldwide to participate in the twelfth edition of the Architecture at Zero competition, with a registration and submission deadline of December 16, 2024. This annual event calls for innovative, sustainable building designs that emphasize equity and resilience, providing a unique platform for creative solutions addressing today’s architectural challenges.

This year’s challenge focuses on designing a new facility for the Griffith STEAM Magnet Middle School in East Los Angeles, California. Participants will create a replacement for existing relocatable classrooms, incorporating science labs, an art classroom, maker spaces, outdoor learning environments, and a teacher workroom. As an ideas competition, it encourages bold, visionary proposals rather than specific construction-ready solutions.

A distinguished jury of international experts, such as Paul Torcellini from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Lance Collins, AIA, from Partner Energy, and Allison Williams, FAIA, will evaluate the entries, with winning designs sharing in a $25,000 prize pool.

AIA California President Winston L. Thorne, AIA, highlighted the collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District, noting the competition’s alignment with AIA CA’s mission to advance sustainability, promote equity, and inspire future architects.

Architecture at Zero contributes to California’s broader vision of achieving Zero Net Energy (ZNE) in all new commercial construction by 2030. The initiative is funded by California utility customers and administered by SCE, SCG, and PG&E under the California Public Utilities Commission’s guidance.

For more information, visit www.architectureatzero.com.