Futures

Futures Design Challenge

Design the Future of Chicago
Register individually or as a team here! Chicago Futures Keep me updated!

Join us for the Chicago Futures Design Challenge, an initiative designed to test your creativity, presentation skills, and problem solving abilities to create a vision of Chicago in the year 2050. Your design should cover one of the following areas: environment, justice, politics, arts, health, economy, urbanization, education, or transportation.

What would an idealized Chicago look like in that area? Your design may be represented in any medium (written, oral, art, film, digital, graphic, etc.). Final submissions will include a brief statement of the design and a 3-5 minute video showcasing your vision for Chicago’s Future. Register as an individual or as a team at the button at the bottom of your screen.  Winning ideas will be the basis of a Spring Chicago Studies event. 

Check out Chicago Futures for more ideas!

Students across the College are invited to create or join a team. Interested in learning more? Click here.

 

 

Project Timeline

    Register your 3-5 member team or express interest in joining a team, and we'll try to match you up with like-minded partners.

    Join us for an information session to go over the basics and answer any questions you have about the design challenge. In addition, you will have an opportunity to meet potential team members, should you need! Register on zoom.

    The Challenge is on! Reconvene for final instructions and a discussion of team perks. (?)

    Submit a brief (50 words) description of your project, a 3-5 minute video presentation, and any supporting materials required for complete understanding of the project.

    Review the submitted projects and vote on your favorites! The audience vote will be compiled along with a judge's decision.

    The finalist designs will be selected based on a combination of audience vote and a judging panel using the provided criteria.

    In a live Zoom event, the finalists will present their designs. Winners will receive prizes!

Brainstorming Advice

We've compiled a few ideas for you. Whether you're a PubPol, Theatre, or even Classics major, your vision should be seen.

    In one sentence, what is something you'd like to see changed in Chicago by the year 2050? Try to make it specific and grounded, yet still speculative. For example, "I seek to take a housing-first approach to the homelessness crisis by..." or "By 2050, Chicago can encourage equity in the performing arts scene by..."

    Consider other countries, states, or even cities. How do they approach this issue? How can Chicago specifically implement this policy in the year 2050?

    You can identify and address problems in your field of study better than any other. Focus on your areas of interest and you'll be guaranteed to construct a more complete and compelling vision for the future.

Futures

Need some inspiration?

Check out our Chicago Futures Distinguished Lecture Series