The AIAS supports and sponsors design competitions to contribute to the education of all students. Competitions present unique opportunities to investigate and utilize building materials and design techniques from different perspectives or those that the student might not be familiar with already. Furthermore, participants compete among students from a broad range of programs and are evaluated by diverse juries of experts. Competitions can also assist instructors with developing a repertoire of design challenges to use in studio courses.

Since the 1970’s, the sponsors have included, AARP, American Institute of Steel Construction, American Life Insurance Co., American Plastics Council, Apple, Cadkey, Copper Development Association, International Corrugated Packaging Foundation, International Masonry Institute, Graphisoft, GE, Jeld-Wen, Kawneer, Lego, McDonald’s, Modular Building Institute, National Endowment for the Arts, National Science Foundation, National Roofing Contractors Association, Sheet Metal Workers, Trespa, US Information Agency, and The Vinyl Institute.

Sponsored by Kawneer and administered by the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), this competition challenges students to learn about building materials, specifically architectural aluminum building products and systems in the design of a secure and sustainable municipal courthouse. While open to any student, the competition is designed for advanced students. Total prize money is $7,225, including $2,500 for the first place winning design.

ENTRY DEADLINE:  Dec 04, 2009
WEBSITE:  www.aias.org/kawneer

Sponsored by Trespa International and administered by the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the program challenges students to learn about building materials, specifically architectural wall panels and systems in the design of an engaging and sustainable City Entertainment Center. The competition is open to any design student in North America. Total prize money is $7,675, including $2,500 for the first place winning design.

ENTRY DEADLINE:  Dec 04, 2009
WEBSITE:  www.aias.org/trespa

Sponsored by The Vinyl Institute and administered by the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the program challenges students to learn about building materials, specifically vinyl building products and systems in the design of an efficient and creative boathouse for the Bohemian Flats Park in Minneapolis, MN. The competition is designed for architecture and design students of all levels. Total prize money is $7,675, including $2,500 for the first place winning design.

ENTRY DEADLINE:  Dec 04, 2009
WEBSITE:  www.aias.org/vinyl

Sponsored by the Modular Building Institute and administered by the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the program challenges students to learn about modular building techniques and systems in the design of a modern and sustainable Miami Beach hotel. The competition is designed for North American design students of all ages. Total prize money is $7,225, including $2,500 for the first place winning design.

ENTRY DEADLINE:  Jan 15, 2010
WEBSITE:  www.aias.org/modularbuilding

Sponsored by the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF), the program challenges students, working individually or in teams, to explore the use of corrugated board (a non-traditional building material) in design and construction. Furthermore, the program encourages students to explore careers in the corrugated box industry. Entry deadline is a postmark date.

ENTRY DEADLINE:  Mar 12, 2009
WEBSITE:  www.aias.org/chairaffair