In Poly Canyon, Cal Poly architecture students are putting their designs to the test.
Design Village, an annual competition hosted by the university’s architecture program, challenges students to construct and live in self-built structures over the course of 48 hours. Teams begin by transporting materials into the canyon before assembling their projects on-site.
The event emphasizes hands-on learning, requiring students to translate conceptual designs into functional, livable spaces. Each year features a theme that guides the creative direction of the builds, encouraging teams to experiment with structure, materials and form.
Throughout the process, students must also consider environmental factors such as weather and terrain. Designs often incorporate adaptable elements to provide shelter and stability over the two-day experience.
Beyond the construction, the event fosters collaboration and community among participants. As structures take shape across the canyon, students are able to explore each other’s work while navigating the challenges of building and living in their designs.