The Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara (AFSB) will hold its 31st annual architecture design competition for high school students in Santa Barbara County on March 1. On that day, students will meet in two locations to work on their submissions.
Upon selection by a team of judges, finalists will reconvene on March 5 to present their designs in person for final judging. Registration is free at the following link https://afsb.org/programs/high-school-design-competition/.
For the competitors, the competition begins March 1 at two sites: Direct Relief headquarters in Goleta and Santa Ynez Union High School in Santa Ynez. At that meeting, an architect will unveil and explain this year’s design program and site location, and be available to answer questions.
Competitors will then spend the day drawing a design solution that includes a site plan, floor plans, an elevation or section view, and an additional sketch invoking character. Competitors do not need drafting experience, just a curiosity about the built environment and a desire to imagine interesting spaces.
Architect volunteers will be available to answer questions.
Competitors will submit their drawings by 4 p.m. Three architect volunteers (judges) will review the submissions and select 12 finalists from the 40-50 participants expected. The finalists will be contacted by AFSB and on March 5, and each will have 15 minutes to present and discuss their design with a jury of four local architects and architectural educators.
The jury will decide first, second and third place winners, as well as two honorable mentions and will present the prizes to the winners that afternoon. Each finalist will receive a cash prize.
The competition was conceived in the 1990s by architect David Goldstien, who remains a driving force on the organizing team. It is organized by the AFSB and supported by sponsors and donors countywide. The competition requires high school students to create a hand-drawn solution to a design challenge.
From its inception 30 years ago, the competition has provided the student a rich experience that comes from holding a pencil, and imagining and illustrating an architectural structure or outdoor space.
Over the years, numerous competitors have gone on to architecture schools in California and beyond, and many have returned to Santa Barbara County to pursue their careers as architects. Some of the serve as omrganizers of this competition today.
To make the competition possible, the AFSB partners with the Santa Barbara Rotary Club, the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club, and the Santa Barbara County Education Office Regional Occupation Program.
Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara is located in the historic Acheson House, corner of Garden and East Victoria streets in Santa Barbara. Regular gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and by appointment.