The second annual design-build challenge was held Monday, Sept. 3, along the Eastbank Esplanade in Portland. It pitted teams of designers, trades workers and contractors against each other in a quest to create the most creative project possible while working against the clock and under a strict set of rules covering theme, materials and more.

This year’s competition featured 27 teams of four people each, up from 14 a year ago, each competing to craft a project that fit the theme: “A Seat At The Table.” The interpretations were left up to the teams, which had just 24 hours to prep for the competition after the theme was revealed to them. Further, the teams were limited to a strict set of reclaimed building materials, both wood and metal.

Judges made up of fellow building industry professionals ultimately chose the creation of the team representing Portland general contractor Engaging Environments as the winner.

According to a synopsis of the project, the team’s take on “A Seat At The Table” was a “unique opportunity to examine empowerment within the current structure of our social-political system.” Half the table is therefore not seen on the surface. Instead, that half holds the rest of the table up, expressing “strength and resiliency.”

The half providing support “represents a conglomeration of workers of all genders, multi-ethnicities, and minorities that hold up the table but whose voice is often unheard.”

The seat itself represents the “patriarchal oligarchy” that we all live in.

Team Engaging Environments produced a design so compelling it also earned a viewer’s choice award. Second place in the judging went to a project from Portland contractor Neil Kelly Company.

Check out photos of this unique event below.

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The second annual Dropbox Derby, Portland‘s unique design-build challenge, will take place on Labor Day along the Eastbank Esplanade festival lots between Southeast Madison and Salmon streets. There, 20 teams of builders, artists and designers will compete to assemble unique creations made of salvaged materials.

Teams will be given a theme only 24 hours before the competition as well as a list of salvaged materials they must use in their creations. Then, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 3, in front of spectators, teams will race the clock to complete their projects.

Judging will follow, and awards will be given. Then a silent auction will take place.

鈥淲e’re very excited that the proceeds from this year’s auction will go to the Oregon Tradeswomen Inc., an organization dedicated to women in the trades,鈥� Stephen Reichard of Lovett Deconstruction stated in a press release. 鈥淭he Dropbox Derby celebrates sustainability and design in a friendly, fun and quintessentially Portland atmosphere.鈥�

Lovett Deconstruction is hosting the free and family-friendly event. Los Palmeros, Ukeladies PDX and the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers will provide live music, and Spicy Spoon, Aybla Mediterranean Grill and 50 Licks Ice Cream will provide food. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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