Atrin Yazdani-Biuki (IDEA Grad 2022) wins 2021 Jim Rimmer Community Scholarship for Design Award with 'Days Without'

Congratulations to Atrin Yazdani-Biuki (IDEA Grad 2022) for winning the 2021 Jim Rimmer Community Scholarship for Design Award with 'Days Without' campaign.

“Being homeless marks every part of daily life with losses that add up. Days Without... Campaign aims to bring home how living on the street looks and feels from the ground level. All photos taken in Downtown Vancouver.” writes Atrin.

Check out this award-winning student project!

Project Description

Being homeless marks every part of daily life with losses that add up. Days Without... Campaign aims to bring home how living on the street looks and feels from the ground level. One of the challenges that non-profit organizations deal with is having a small budget to do campaigns. Using objects that people find in the streets and taking advantage of materials that can be easily accessed, allows for a campaign to roll out with a smaller budget in mind while getting the message across to a variety of people. Using objects and things that people are used to seeing or experiencing every day and showing how it is absent from the lives of some, helps put the audience in their shoes. In addition, the use of tallies creates a trapped feeling and gives a sense of urgency so that the audience can help. All photos have been taken in Downtown Vancouver to show the real conditions people are living in.

Process

I initially read online articles, forums, and watched videos around homelessness. After gathering information online, I decided to go to Downtown Vancouver and see the problems for myself. I spent hours walking through various alleyways over several days to experience the issues and put myself in the shoes of others. The whole process was very emotional. People know that homelessness exists but tend to ignore them when they see one on the streets. And going into the alleyways is something that people typically steer clear of. I decided to use different mediums to make the campaign more personal and direct for the person viewing it. By doing this, the viewer is put in the shoes of those less fortunate and given a chance to imagine the normal daily lives of others.

About Jim Rimmer Scholarship

The Jim Rimmer Community Scholarship for Design Award is awarded annually to students whose project supports a community program, social cause, non-profit, or an environmental or social cause.

The Jim Rimmer Community Scholarship for Design Award is an opportunity for students to submit a completed project (or one currently in progress) for a community program, a non-profit, or an environmental or social cause. Students who are currently enrolled in a design program in British Columbia or who have graduated within the past year are eligible. Scholarships will be awarded on the strength of the solution, and how effectively it communicates a message, benefits a community, affects action and promotes change.

For more on Atrin see atrinyb.com.