Inspiration Station: Gingerbread House Competition

When your brain is oriented to translate complex information into user friendly, navigable graphics and circulation patterns, you tend to have a skewed perception of the world. You’re running to the subway and a baffling sign makes you miss your train. You’re visiting a museum and the hand held map has you walking south when the exhibit is north. We approach situations already looking for the solutions, before we even know if there’s a problem. So once in awhile, your brain could use a break from the practical, and some room to wander. Thanks to the innovation and thoughtfulness of our very own designers, Kevin Spencer and Jen Vitello, Inspiration Station is that very break.

Two Twelve’s gingerbread house competition is a long standing tradition when the holidays roll around, but this year felt particularly unique. Maybe it was the gentle buzz of anticipation as large bags of candy made their way into the office. Maybe it was the Christmas music humming in the conference room. Or maybe it was just the sweet smell of high fructose corn syrup drifting into the studio, but we were ready. 

Five teams, one hour. The theme, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and the criteria, simple: colorful and inventive use of candy. We all had the same supplies at our disposal (a gingerbread “kit” made available for either a time save or for those of us who aren’t actual designers). 

As soon as the whistle blew, piping bags were sliced and clandestine blueprints referenced. M&Ms flew across the room, tootsie rolls were mangled, twizzlers hacked apart. It was brutal and no sugar was spared. 
By the end, when the last marshmallow found its resting place, a tension hung in the air. The sole judge was called in, last-minute bribes offered, and the true test of our efforts was revealed.

To say that a single house stood out amongst the rest would be a cruel generalization. As you’ll see, the finest of innovation and placemaking occurred in that room, and we’re damn proud.  

In all seriousness, the competition was healthy and just what we needed. It gave each and every one of us the chance to play, to stop thinking logically or realistically, but nonetheless creatively. The chance to decide that yes, it makes perfect sense for a house to in fact be a cat named Miss Ruby.

The final tally for your amusement:
1st Place = Most Sentimental
2nd Place = Most Exotic
3rd Place = Most Innovative 
4th Place = Most on Topic 
5th Place = Most Avant-Garde