Interested in applying your knowledge to shape the future of housing in Madison and beyond?
StartingBlock Madison, UW–Milwaukee, American Family Insurance, and the USDA Forest Products Lab are excited to launch the 2025 AEC Innovation Challenge—a unique opportunity to explore groundbreaking construction methods and reimagine residential housing in Wisconsin. This six-part series is designed to spark creativity, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and introduce you to real-world applications of advanced building technologies. Whether your research focuses on materials science, sustainability, design, or engineering, this challenge invites you to apply your expertise to pressing housing issues. As a culminating opportunity, participants can submit their ideas to the AARP ADU Design Challenge, part of Madison Housing Week in October 2025.
What questions are addressed in this program?
- Is modular, factory-built housing a viable option for increasing housing stock in WI?
- Are ADUs a viable proof of concept for factory-built, modular housing?
- Can robotics play a meaningful role in automating factory-built housing?
Session Logistics:
- Every other Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (July 3 – Sept 11)
- Hosted at StartingBlock (821 East Washington Madison)
- Sandwiches and drinks will be provided
- Cost of attendance is covered by grants from American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Topics Covered:
- Foundations of Offsite Construction
- Compliance and Regulatory Framework
- Design Considerations for Modular Construction
- Manufacturing and Supply Chain Optimization
- Site Integration and Assembly
- Business Models and Implementation
Email beth@startingblockmadison.org to get involved in creative collaboration, apply advanced building technology techniques, and help shape the future of housing through cutting-edge, research-driven solutions.