WHAT IS 2X8?

A student competition for higher education students throughout California.

An exhibition of all submitted work.

A scholarship program that awards multiple winners.

It was formed to introduce student work to the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industries.

To celebrate the pedagogical diversity of schools across California, 2×8 invites multiple schools across the state to participate and allows student projects to receive scholarships at the opening event.

2×8: RESILIENCE

Each year, the exhibition is given a unique name and theme. We encourage the schools to select work that reflects that theme. This year, the curatorial theme of 2×8 explores the discourse of RESILIENCE.

As climate change and natural disasters intensify, architecture must evolve to meet the demands of an uncertain future. This year’s theme—Resilience: Building for a Resilient Future—challenges emerging designers to explore innovative responses to the increasing threats of wildfires, earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes, extreme weather, and coastal erosion. Los Angeles has experienced firsthand the devastation of wildfires. As a hub of architectural innovation, we believe this is a unique opportunity for students to push beyond conventional boundaries and reimagine the built environment in the face of these challenges. 2×8 has long been a platform for creative exploration, and this year, it also serves as a call to action—inviting students to propose solutions unrestricted by current construction limitations but forward-thinking enough to shape future approaches to resilient design.

We are reaching out early to open a dialogue and learn more about relevant projects your students are currently undertaking. We strongly encourage student participation in this invaluable opportunity to showcase their vision, technical expertise, and innovation. Selected projects will be exhibited at the AIA | ACLA Center for Communities, offering visibility among leading architects, educators, and industry professionals. Additionally, the 2×8 scholarship component provides tangible support to students while contributing to critical conversations about the future of architecture.