Architects compete to create Barbie dream house

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Barbie already has a perfect body, a killer wardrobe and numerous fast cars. Doesn’t she deserve a perfect home too?

The American Institute of Architects is holding a competition for the ideal dream house for the popular Mattel doll. A jury of professional architects recently narrowed the pool of close to 30 designs to five finalists, and voting is taking place online. The competition closes Aug. 1 and the winner will be announced the following day.

AIA said that Mattel won’t produce the winning design and that the competition is just ‘a fun way to play and engage with Barbie.’ The competition comes on the heels of the launch of Mattel’s Architect Barbie, the latest in the doll’s many career incarnations.

Barbie has been making forays into the arts and cultural sphere in recent months. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art acquired the original Barbie in preparation for its fall exhibition ‘California Design, 1930-1965: ‘Living in a Modern Way.’ ‘ The museum also has an early Ken doll in its permanent collection.

Earlier this year, Mattel launched a series of art-themed Barbie dolls that take their inspiration from artists including Klimt and Van Gogh.

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-- David Ng