Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An esteemed panel of judges selected the winners of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) I Look Up Film Challenge. Of the 82 films submitted, the judges gave scores from 1-5 in Storytelling & Prompt, Architectural Placement, and Technical Merit. The Grand Prize Winner, along with the First Runner Up and Second Runner Up will all receive an exclusive screening of their films at the Architecture & Design Film Festival on September 26 at Ace Hotel Chicago.

Grand Prize Winner, Myles Kramer, director of Community by Design: Skid Row Housing Trust, featuring Michael Maltzan Architecture and Brooks + Scarpa Architecture and filmed in Los Angeles, highlights the power of design in improving the lives of those experiencing homelessness. “I always felt that space and design had some kind of varying impact on my moods and my thinking, but I just didn’t know why,” shared Kramer. “It was only after working on this project did I learn more specifically about how architecture and design affects people’s day to day lives.”

People’s Choice Award: The public can view all films and vote on their favorite video to win the People’s Choice Award until October 6. The winner will be announced this November and receive $2,500, an exclusive screening at Architecture & Design Film Festival in New York City.

Visit ilookup.org to learn more about the winners, watch their compelling films, and cast your vote. Use the hashtag #ilookup to join the conversation.

FIRST RUNNER UP- Brad Deal, Pisces
This inspiring film showcases the impact of a bridge, designed and constructed by architecture students, that connects the two sides of a summer camp for children with special needs and creates a variety of opportunities for one of their favorite camp activities, fishing. 

SECOND RUNNER UP- Julian Pham, A Little Alcove: San Francisco Navigation Center
The film is about the Navigation Center: A pioneering, transitional housing concept for the homeless in San Francisco. The film follows one of the residents, Fred Vickers, around the Navigation Center to hear his story and spoke with the project’s architects and designers to learn about what influenced them and why this project is so important to the City. The Navigation Center program is designed to serve San Francisco’s highly vulnerable and long-term homeless residents who are often afraid of approaching traditional shelters and services.

The jury for the 2017 I Look Up Film Challenge includes: Rosa T Sheng, AIA; Thomas Vonier, FAIA; Michael Ford, Assoc. AIA; John Montague, Priscilla Ghaznavi and Glenn Kiser.

About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, The American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world.

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