Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Competition | John Stewardson Memorial Fellowship in Architecture
The Community Design Collaborative, in partnership with the John Stewardson Memorial Fellowship in Architecture, is thrilled to announce its inaugural Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Competition! Recognizing the pivotal role ADUs play in diversifying housing options and enhancing affordability, this competition aims to ignite innovative design solutions that foster equitable and sustainable communities. We invite students and architects to showcase their creativity and contribute to addressing Philadelphia's housing challenges.
Competition Goals
- Raise Awareness: Educate the public on the benefits of ADUs and their potential impact on diverse communities.
- Encourage Innovation: Inspire architects and designers to develop creative solutions for the city's housing needs.
- Showcase Skills: Provide a platform for participants to demonstrate their expertise in housing design.
- Inspire the Public: Present imaginative designs that motivate the community to envision new housing possibilities.
- Encourage Critical Examination of ADU Regulations: Promote thoughtful evaluation and constructive critique of existing ADU codes and specifications to identify opportunities for improvement.
This initiative seeks to foster sustainable, affordable, and accessible housing solutions for all residents. It is made possible through the generous support of AARP, contributing to making Philadelphia a vibrant and inclusive city for residents of all ages.
Important Dates:
Saturday April 19, 2025: Final dates to submit entries. Projects must be submitted before 11:59 PM EST.
Early June 2025: Notifications of award.
Late August 2025: Results announced.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025: Competition winners will be showcased during DesignPhiladelphia Festival.
*This is an idea-only competition and has no affiliation with the development of the project area related to the competition.
Scoring Criteria & Rubric
The Jury will use the following scoring criteria to assess design submissions, ensuring alignment with our community's goals and values.
Inclusive & Accessible Living (30%)
Designs should prioritize accessibility and inclusivity by incorporating universal design principles that accommodate individuals of all abilities and needs. Submissions are encouraged to support adaptable living arrangements that evolve with residents over time, enabling aging-in-place and fostering long-term comfort and independence.
Creative & Aesthetic Excellence (30%)
Submissions should present ADU designs that captivate visually, thoughtfully balance scale, and highlight distinctive solutions through innovation and creativity. We seek designs that creatively address contemporary living needs for diverse residents, both now and in the future. Proposals should incorporate imaginative use of space, inventive storage strategies, and groundbreaking concepts that push creative boundaries. We also welcome creative responses to limitations posed by regulations.
Sustainable & Resilient Design (25%)
Submissions should highlight innovative approaches to energy efficiency, water conservation, and hazard resilience. Designs are encouraged to use sustainable materials, adopt waste reduction strategies, and minimize environmental impact. Flexibility for future technologies, such as solar panels and EV charging, should also be thoughtfully integrated.
Economic Feasibility & Cost Efficiency (15%)
Designs should emphasize financial practicality by addressing construction expenses, maintenance requirements, and operational costs. Creative solutions that reduce costs while promoting long-term affordability are highly encouraged.
Acknowledgments
This competition is made possible by the Community Design Collaborative, AIA Philadelphia, DesignPhiladelphia, the John Stewardson Memorial Competition, and AARP.