Photo credit: CAAJThe Canadian Academy of Architecture for Justice (CAAJ) has launched its 2025 Student Design Competition, entitled Filling the Gap: Designing for New Approaches to Diversion, Healing, and Rehabilitation.For the competition, CAAJ is inviting architecture students to propose innovative designs for community-oriented buildings aimed at addressing contemporary societal crises, such as addiction, homelessness, mental health, and poverty. Traditional justice institutions, like police stations and courthouses, are often at the forefront of these crises but often fail to effectively address these complex issues, and as a result, many marginalised and struggling members of society are falling through the gaps, says the CAAJ. As a result, the competition challenges students to create architectural or urban design solutions that provide support, rehabilitation, and healing, without relying on traditional institutional models.The competition encourages participants to consider how their design can bridge the gap between marginalized individuals and the broader community, promote healing, reduce recidivism, and offer alternatives to incarceration. Designs should focus on a facility that integrates health and social services, educational spaces, or other community-centered programs to help address specific crises.Submissions will be judged based on their potential to improve the community, integrate sustainable principles, and create environments that promote calm and wellness.The competition offers prize money of $3,000 CAD for first place, and $1,000 CAD each for second and third place. Submissions are due by June 30, 2025, and will be evaluated by a panel of justice sector experts, architects, and community-engaged professionals.For more information, click here.The post Canadian Academy of Architecture for Justice launches student design competition appeared first on Canadian Architect.