The OAA is calling on all its members—Architects (practicing, non-practising, retired), Intern Architects, Student Associates, and Licensed Technologists OAA—to explore the intersection of architecture and resiliency for the biennial SHIFT Challenge.
“Whether in a literal sense or in a figurative one, the concept of resiliency involves flexibility, inherent strength, and elasticity. It is a quality in objects to hold or recover their shape; it is an ability in people to face challenges or rebound from difficulty. The goal is to propose innovative, yet practical and feasible ideas that advance architectural thinking at scales from small spaces to entire ecosystems,” says the OAA.
Project ideas must be submitted by Monday, January 18, 2021, and include written, visual, and video components showcasing how architectural thinking can advance insight and innovation. While submissions are welcome from teams of varied skills and professional backgrounds, the team leader must have status with the OAA.
The SHIFT Challenge is a juried program, with a group of experts both within and alongside the architecture profession. The OAA is thrilled to welcome a new panel of jurors for the 2021 challenge, including building science expert, researcher, and lecturer, Aylin Ozkan, engineer, lecturer, and principal at Blackwell, David Bowick, placemaker, author, and urban planning lecturer, Jay Pitter, intern Architect Sophie Mackey, and professor, researcher, and engineer Ted Kesik.
These jurors will be joined by our facilitator, architect Toon Dreessen—an OAA past-president and the recipient of this year’s Order of da Vinci, which recognizes exceptional leadership in the profession, education, and community. Together, they will evaluate submissions against five key criteria: Innovation, Social Responsibility, Inspiration, Inclusivity, and Holistic Approach.
The jury will convene virtually in February to choose their top selections, which will be announced prior to the OAA’s digital Conference events in the spring. The OAA is also exploring opportunities to share the SHIFT2021 ideas next year while respecting physical distancing recommendations.
