A competition launched by UN-Habitat seeks to make monolithic mass housing more socially, economically, environmentally and culturally sustainable areas. In the face of rapid urbanization during the second half of the 20th century, modern planning’s strict zoning laws resulted in large housing estates predominantly known as mass, public or social housing, which are arguably considered socially isolated, culturally inappropriate and environmentally unsustainable. Students and recent graduates are encouraged to propose multidisciplinary approaches that encompass urban, civic, social, environmental and economic strategies urgently needed to address these challenges and achieve a sustainable urbanism. Registrations are open until November 15, and projects must be submitted by January 31, 2014.
The competition is an initiative of UN-Habitat’s Global Housing Strategy’s campaign, coordinated by the Housing and Slum Upgrading Branch of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), which invites creative and innovative university students and recent graduates around the world to participate in this international competition. Seven regional prizes will be awarded to selected projects at the 7th World Urban Forum, which takes place in Medellin, Colombia, in April 2014. Applicants can join individually or in teams of up to six people, and are encouraged to include a diversity of disciplines, with participants with varied backgrounds in architecture, urban design, planning, engineering, landscape architecture, agriculture, sociology, economics, or other specializations.
This competition seems tailor-made for our program and presents a great opportunity for all of our students and alumni. We encourage you to submit proposals!
For all the background information and instructions on how to apply, visit the website.