# Global Affordable Housing Competitions ICON Challenging Architects & Designers with Initiative 99 By Kalin Ned | Published 2023-08-08 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-housing-competitoon References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2023/08/08/icon-launches-global-architecture-competition/) & [iconbuild](https://www.iconbuild.com/initiative-99) [ICON](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icon-and-big), a pioneering construction-scale 3D-printing company, recently announced an affordable housing competition that challenges architects and designers worldwide to envision and submit home designs that can be constructed for less than $99,000 (USD). Named Initiative 99, the completion aims to place emphasis on the need for functional solutions in the housing market and highlights the fact that "more than 1.2 billion people across the planet lack adequate shelter." With a remarkable total prize pool of $1 million, Initiative 99 has garnered significant attention from firms, individuals, and university students globally. Contestants are invited to employ ICON's advanced [3D-printing technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qr3d) to create homes that transcend conventional design boundaries. The affordable housing competition's multi-phase, year-long structure is reinforced by a distinguished panel of judges consisting of architectural practitioners, academic leaders, and policymakers. Image Credit: ICON ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 17% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Affordable Housing Solutions:** Opportunity for architects and designers to create innovative home designs that can be constructed for less than $99,000. - **3d-printing in Construction:** Utilizing advanced 3D-printing technology to push the boundaries of traditional home design. - **Functional Solutions in Housing:** Emphasizing the need for practical and functional housing solutions in the global market. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Architects worldwide can showcase their creativity and design skills in developing affordable homes. - **Construction:** Opportunity for the construction industry to leverage 3D-printing technology for cost-effective housing projects. - **Housing Market:** Addressing the global challenge of inadequate shelter by encouraging innovative solutions in the housing market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Record-Breaking 3D-Printed Neighborhoods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icon-and-big.md) - [3D-Printed Neighborhood Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wolf-ranch.md) - [3D-Printed Austin Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-hsu.md) - [Compact 3d-Printed Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-house-lux.md) - [Affordable Housing Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-house-1.md) - [Reinvented Compact Living](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-housing-prototype.md) - [3D-Printed Home Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tiny-house-lux.md) - [Disaster-Ready Housing Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/essential-homes.md) - [Interior Design Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iconic-spaces.md)