Interior Architecture

2016 marks the fifth anniversary of the IIDA Student Design Charette where IIDA Student Members from around the United States team up and compete in a live onsite competition at NeoCon in Chicago every June. Students have less than six hours to design a space, put together a presentation, and pitch their concept to a panel of esteemed judges.

This year’s problem asked students to design a proposed Office of Tourism concierge office and public space in the historic Merchandise Mart. The solution required that students focus on creating an experiential, creative, and progressive space that uniquely expresses the vibrancy and diversity of the city of Chicago and engages visitors and employees alike, inviting them to experience the Merchandise Mart in a new way.