The AIA Film Challenge 2019 invited architects and filmmakers to work together to highlight the ways architects have collaborated with civic leaders to build resilient and sustainable communities.
Participants produced, shot, and edited documentary-style short films showcasing their Blueprint for Better story to win cash and experiential prizes, distribution at film festivals, and exposure on AIA’s online channels, as well as partner film and architecture organizations.
A panel of judges made up of architects as well as film and media professionals selected the Grand Prize Winner, the Runner Up, and the Third Place Winner based on the films’ adherence to the prompt, storytelling arc, architectural placement, and technical merit. The judges and the AIA extend congratulations to the winning filmmakers and project teams.
Grand Prize – The EastPoint Project
The 2019 Grand Prize winner is “The EastPoint Project” by filmmaker Weston Waugh. The film tells the story of a reimagined outdoor mall on the northeast side of Oklahoma City that was given new life by the collaboration between local community members, architects at Gardner, developers at Pivot Project, and the City of Oklahoma City. View the film >
Runner up – A Place of Second Chances
The 2019 Runner Up is “A Place of Second Chances” by filmmakers Chris Grant and Francisco Penaloza. The film highlights Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility, the first of its kind in the US. Las Colinas uses environmental and behavioral psychology to improve the experience and behavior of inmates and staff. Using scientifically-proven research on how light, color, materials, texture, air quality, acoustics and access to nature affect mental and physical well-being, HMC Architects made design decisions that were informed by the idea of transforming lives. View the film >
Third Place – A Building Shaped by Light: Austin Central Library
The 2019 Third Place winner is “A Building Shaped by Light: Austin Central Library” by filmmakers Johnny McAllister and Annie Silverstein. Lake|Flato set aspirational sustainability and design metrics for the Austin Central Library, including two key goals: It would be the most daylit library in the country, and it would serve as a water conservation model for institutional buildings. View the film >
People’s Choice – Learning Organisms, Floral Collectives
The 2019 People’s Choice award goes to “Learning Organisms, Floral Collectives” that highlights 33M, a practice founded by filmmakers Meriem Sakrouhi and Mario Serrano which is focused on designing a sustainable and resilient building typology that adapts to the social and climatic needs of today. View the film >