About the Event

SF Reframed is where design meets dialogue. This annual youth design event and exhibition invites high school and undergraduate students to reimagine San Francisco’s public spaces through innovative “street furniture” — seating, structures, and small-scale interventions that foster community connection.

Hosted by Youth Art Exchange (YAX), SF Reframed highlights how youth envision a more equitable, inclusive, and creative city. From design prototypes to full-scale mockups, the showcase brings together students, architects, planners, and community members to celebrate the future of urban design.

📍YAX Studios @ La Fenix – 1950 Mission Street, San Francisco
🗓️ Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 1:00–4:00 PM
🎟️ Free + Open to All Ages

Design Competition

The Street Furniture Innovation Competition challenges participants to design a piece of public furniture that sparks interaction, reflection, and belonging.
Submissions should explore themes of anti-displacement, harm reduction, and environmental justice, while being adaptable, sustainable, and reproducible within the urban environment.

 
 
 

Design Deliverables

Participants must submit three 11x17 sheets via email to arch@youthartexchange.org:

  1. Intro + Diagrams

  2. 3D Rendering or Drawings

  3. Additional Documentation (plans, sections, elevations, or context renderings)

Extended Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025
Application Fee: $20 (fee waivers available upon request)

Winners will be announced during the SF Reframed event on November 8 at Youth Art Exchange.
🏆 Prizes:

  • 1st Place: $1,000 + potential for full-scale prototype fabrication

  • 2nd Place: $500

  • 3rd Place: $200

  • Top 50 Designs will be exhibited at YAX La Fénix during the event

A panel of local jurors from architecture, planning, and design fields will review all submissions and select finalists.

Experience the Event

  • 🖼️ Gallery Showcase of student designs and prototypes

  • 🗣️ Panel Discussions with jurors and community design leaders

  • ✍🏽 Interactive Art Stations for guests to share their own ideas for reimagining SF’s streets

  • ☕ Snacks + Community Gathering connecting young designers, artists, and neighbors

Get Involved

  • 🧠 Submit Your Design: Email entries to arch@youthartexchange.org by October 31, 2025

  • 💌 Sponsor the Event: To support prizes or event activities, email arch@youthartexchange.org

  • 📣 Attend + Celebrate: Free and open to all — come see how youth are reframing San Francisco’s future!