third place prize

The Third Place Prize

The 3rd Place Prize competition invites art academy students to imagine a “third place” on Cranbrook’s historic campus.

Whether reimagining an existing space or designing something entirely new, this competition challenges teams of students to propose ideas that address communal and place-based needs, shaping the Academy’s future.

What is a Third Place?

A “third place” is a social space distinct from the primary environments of home (first place) and work (second place). Examples include cafes, parks, libraries, gyms, theaters, and pubs.

Collaboration

Students must form pairs or trios, ensuring each member comes from a different department at the academy. This interdisciplinary teamwork is essential for fresh perspectives and creative ideas for your third place design. Teams must be at least 2 students and cannot exceed 3 students.

Prize

Third Place Prize will culminate in an exhibition at FLEX space where all submissions will be judged.

The winning proposal will be
archived at the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research and included in an exhibition at Saarinen House. In addition, winners will take home a hand-crafted trophy.

Submission Requirements
Successful submissions will respond to these three deliverables

Site Plan/Floor Plan
Scale: Relation to the body or objects.

Placement: Orientation and proximity within the campus.

Materials: Proposed materials or construction details (if applicable).

Object
Any medium is acceptable. Examples: models, prototypes, renderings, paintings, prints, carvings, sculptures, photographs, or other ephemera.

Writing
A 100–400-word statement explaining your design's purpose and key elements. This is an open-ended opportunity to articulate your vision.

3rd Place Prize Competition Jury
Kevin Adkisson
Jean-Claude Azar
Dirk Denison
Karen Swanson
Gretchen Wilkins

3rd Place Prize Organizing Committee
Jocelyn Hernandez
Montgomery Pierson
Martin Schapiro
Kiana Thayer

Install drop off
Flex Space, Thursday March 20

Opening
Flex Space, Friday March 21

Deinstall
Tuesday March 25

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