Los Angeles
Affordable Housing Challenge

The Contemporary Home

This competition, is part of a strategic partnership
between Buildner and ArchDaily, that aims to
explore “The Contemporary Home”.
Learn more here.

Competition introduction

Competition organisers

The Los Angeles Affordable Housing Challenge, the 16th installment of Buildner's affordable housing competition series, welcomes architects and design enthusiasts from around the globe to submit inventive solutions to tackle Los Angeles' housing crisis. As the city grapples with skyrocketing rents, gentrification, and expensive starter homes, affordable housing for lower-income households has become increasingly scarce.

This competition seeks to generate imaginative and pragmatic solutions to address the diverse housing needs of Los Angeles residents, including families, single professionals, and couples. Participants are encouraged to think beyond conventional housing models and explore innovative designs that offer flexibility, affordability, sustainability, and a sense of community.

With the freedom to select a site within Los Angeles, competitors should carefully consider factors such as accessibility, amenities, and the potential impact on the surrounding community. The challenge demands designs that are adaptable and capable of accommodating various inhabitants and their needs, prioritizing affordability without compromising quality or sustainability.

By incorporating sustainable features and energy-efficient systems, participants should strive to create housing solutions that minimize environmental impact and long-term costs while seamlessly integrating into the existing urban landscape. Ultimately, the goal is to inspire and reshape the future of housing in Los Angeles through aesthetically pleasing and innovative designs that challenge traditional notions of housing, design, and community.

Download the full competition brief for more information!

The competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; All information submitted by participants must be in English.