#iseeDC2020: Architecture, Equity, and the Pandemic

2020—one of the most tumultuous years on record—brought about profound changes in the way we view our society, its institutions, and our interactions with the environment. From the COVID-19 pandemic and economic instability to racial inequality and political discord, this unforgettable year of mask-wearing, working from home, and protesting in the streets commanded people to react, reorganize, repair, and reflect.

This unprecedented mix of life-changing issues inspired the #iseeDC2020 Instagram Photo Contest theme: Architecture, Equity, and the Pandemic.

Organized by the AIA|DC Design Excellence Committee, photo enthusiasts were challenged to engage with the city around them and interpret, through a photographic lens, the impact of these changes on buildings, landscapes, and cultural activities. The annual contest seeks to inspire interaction between the public and architecture in Washington, DC.

#iseeDC2020 received 297 submissions. Of those, 50 finalists were selected by the jury with 10 commended as jury favorites. For the first time, the jury selected 2 runner-ups and 1 grand winner.

50 Show

Of 297 submissions, 50 photos were selected for show by the jury.

10 Favorites

Of the 50 photos selected for show, 10 favorites were selected by the jury.

1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up

Of the 10 favorites, a 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up were selected for the first time by the jury.

Grand Winner

Of the 10 favorites, a Grand Winner was selected for the first time by the jury.

Jurors

Get to know the jurors and discover their points of view.

• Francesca Franchi, AIA LEED GA — Principal of RDC/Studio One Eleven
  
• Alan Karchmer — Architectural Photographer

Acknowledgements

#iseeDC2020 is organized by the AIA|DC Design Excellence Committee in cooperation with AIA|DC and exclusively online.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest and congrats to the finalists.

About AIA|DC Design Excellence Committee
The AIA|DC Design Excellence Committee is a group of architects and designers who educate, recognize, and promote design excellence to Chapter members and the community through events, competitions, lectures, and awards programs. We invite and encourage participation from anyone interested in the field of architecture and design, and we are constantly broadening our reach and creating new outlets to share the excellent design work of our community.

Instagram Photo Contest and Exhibition Planning Committee

• Tanya Ally, AIA — Hickok Cole
  
• Lewis Goetz, FAIA FIIDA
  
• John Michael Day, AIA LEED AP BD+C — Cunningham | Quill Architects
  
• Gerald Briggs, FAIA — AECOM
  
• Scott Clowney, Assoc. AIA —AIA|DC
  

Support
Exhibitions are supported, in part, by our Sustaining Firm Affiliate Members