BarnRaise 2014

Throughout the centuries, communities around the world have gathered to build together. Everyone had a job and everyone pitched in. A few days later, the people would step back, the dust would settle, and a new barn would stand in their place.

We’re not planning on building any barns in the middle of Chicago, but we are planning on coming together to make some awesome stuff. Meet BarnRaise, a new event run by graduate students at the IIT Institute of Design.

BarnRaise is a new, immersive, two-and-a-half day experience that combines the best of thought leadership with the energy of building physical and digital prototypes. Designers and other problem-solvers (from Chicago and beyond) will form teams that are hosted by leading design firms around the city.  Each team will then be partnered with a local organization to design solutions around specific challenges related to urban safety. Mornings will start with energizing talks before we head off to our respective project bays. We’ll build until the final bell rings, at which point, we’ll gather and proudly display our prototypes in a public exhibit for all to see. Concepts will be shared. Local partners will be equipped. Cheering will ensue. 

We’d love for you to join us in our first BarnRaise. Stay tuned for more information. We’re looking forward to designing tomorrow with you.