In honor of the architects featured in The Third Coast, this year’s One Book, One Chicago selection, the Chicago Public Library is holding a competition for the best Really Tiny House during our Really Tiny Block Party on April 28. The winning entry will be displayed in the Harold Washington Library Center during the month of May (don’t worry, we’ll return it safe and sound after the exhibit ends) and its creator will also win a prize package including a tour of an actual Tiny House at the Evanston Ecology Center, a docent-led nature walk, and a delicious lunch for two.
Makerspaces and other organizations are also invited to submit houses that showcase the skills and tools available at their locations. Their entries will also be displayed during the month of May.
Individual Submissions
Take a class and make an amazing house! Decorate and furnish it until it’s just right, and then bring it to the Really Tiny Block Party!
Really Tiny Houses may be made using our template and guidelines, or using your own creativity as long as they meet the following specifications:
- 1 entry per person
- House dimensions (including any extra pieces) must be no larger than 12”x12”x12”
- No perishable materials, weapons, or explosives.
- Any electronics may use battery power only.
Entries for the competition will be accepted between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, April 28 in the Multipurpose Room on the Lower Level of the Harold Washington Library Center. Entrants must stay with their house until the judging is complete at 7:30 p.m., and all entries other than the winner must be removed after the event ends. Light refreshments will be served during the event.
Makerspace Submissions
If you represent a maker space, technology lab, hackerspace or studio, we would love to show off what your space can do! Please use any or all of the technologies and materials you have at your disposal (except food) to make the house a showcase of what is available to people who might be interested in learning more about your space.
Specifications:
- 1 house to represent your organization.
- Dimensions no larger than 30”x30” and no more than 6’ tall.
- No perishable materials, weapons, or explosives.
- Any electronics may use battery power only.
- An artist’s statement about your piece and information about your space (no more than 200 words total).
- A representative to attend the Really Tiny Block Party to talk about your organization’s house, and what you have to offer.
Submissions are due Thursday, March 31. Houses will be kept until Friday, June 3, after which point we can arrange to return them.
Please contact makerspace@chipublib.org with any questions or for more information.
