· BRIEF ·
|
· introduction ·
Archstorming is launching a new competition in collaboration with the NGO "Teach on the Beach" (TOB) to create a new Educational Center in Busua, Ghana. The goal is to design a practical, eco-friendly, and inviting space that promotes access to TOB's educational initiatives for children and adults, fostering learning, socialization, and community involvement.
Teach on the Beach (TOB) is a Busua-based NGO that enhances students' lives through education and cultural exchange. Offering after-school programs and volunteer opportunities for international students and young professionals, TOB supports social and emotional growth and cultivates global citizenship. Under the leadership of former student William Agbo, TOB aims to build its own facilities to demonstrate its long-term dedication to the community. After a year of planning, they acquired a plot and are currently building a classroom designed by one of their volunteers. This competition will look for designs to complete the rest of the Educational Center. |
· challenge ·
The challenge of this competition is to convert the current classroom under construction into a full Educational Center capable of hosting various activities and accommodating volunteers. Among its program, the new center will include another classroom for adults; a community space with kitchen, dining and leisure areas; eight volunteer bedrooms and outdoor spaces for relaxation and hands-on learning experiences.
The competition will focus on eco-friendly materials and easy-to-build construction techniques that are accessible to everyone. The Educational Center aims to exemplify sustainable construction practices for the local community and inspire similar projects in the area, making a positive impact on the community. TOB has organized numerous volunteer trips involving over 500 participants from around the world. Following the competition, participants will have the opportunity to volunteer in building the winning design with TOB. The construction is planned to start this August 2023 and everyone will be invited to join from that moment on. |
· THE WINNERS ·
[FIRST prize]
Gustavo Sarmiento Peñaranda, Luis Enrique Moreno Morales, Camilo Alexander Pillimue Ortiz, Jacobo Quintana Cardona
CALI, COLOMBIA
"Jury feedback
|
The jury commends the winner's innovative, modular design, which champions easy, phased construction. It breathes fresh life into the traditional architectural landscape by fusing modern design principles with respect for and understanding of the local context. The central courtyard, acting as a fluid, interactive space, intelligently integrates the new and existing buildings.
|
The design captivates with its harmonious mix of varied materials like rammed earth and brick, underpinned by practical thermal analysis. Striking a balance between aesthetics, innovation, and context sensitivity, the project promotes 'uninterrupted spaces' facilitating a range of cultural and educational interactions. These attributes make it a worthy winner.
|
[SECOND prize]
Natali Lecot, Camila Pecina, Giovanni Mario Pemintel, Maria Fernanda Paz
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
"Jury feedback
|
The jury commends the thoughtful design of the second prize project. Its innovative approach to ventilation, particularly the double-roof system, stands out. This system ensures a consistent airflow, aiding in thermal control, while the main metal sheet roof provides necessary shade, which is practical for local climate conditions. The project's central courtyard enhances the social and educational ambiance, even
|
though it could have been more distinct. The modular design is clearly laid out, making it straightforward to build and likely easier to maintain over time, an important factor in sustainable construction. With its respectful approach to local construction techniques and materials, the project demonstrates a balanced blend of traditional and innovative architecture.
|
[THIRD prize]
Yingtong Wang, Chenglei Sheng, Lingchun Sun, Yuqi Ding
BEIJING, CHINA
"Jury feedback
|
The jury appreciates the practical design of the third prize project. Its standardized, modular approach facilitates easy construction, ideal for the intended phased building process. Moreover, this modularity offers flexibility, allowing spaces to adapt to different functional requirements. The use of local materials and construction techniques enhances its sustainability while respecting local architectural style. The hexagonal design is inventive, although it could increase construction complexity
|
and costs. They were impressed by the thoughtful distribution across the site and the incorporation of smaller courtyards, yet they suggest more consideration for shading. The separate viewing tower adds appeal without complicating the main structure. Overall, the project demonstrates feasibility and a beautiful balance between functionality and aesthetics.
|
[SPECIAL HONORABLE MENTION]
Walter Casola
CÓRDOBA, ARGENTINA
"Jury feedback
|
The jury recognizes the boldness of the fourth prize project's design. The proposal cleverly reinterprets the relationship between the new and existing buildings, resulting in a unified ensemble. The use of an open green heart, fashioned through the placement of new architectural elements, creates an engaging communal space. The project's courage shines in its parallel programmatic bars that enable phased growth, making it economically feasible.
|
They have noted a potential lack of privacy in the bedrooms due to their proximity to public spaces. The rooftop sea view is a delightful addition. The main building's roof may become too hot given Ghana's climate. However, the use of rammed earth walls could help balance this heat. The project also stands out in its sustainable approach, using local materials and techniques, and considering passive climate control measures.
|
[SPECIAL HONORABLE MENTION]
Grzegorz Oleniecki, Ramy Abi Antoun
DERBY, UNITED KINGDOM
"Jury feedback
|
The jury appreciates the originality of the fifth prize project. Its distinctive circular design, a nod to traditional Ghanaian architecture, cultivates a strong sense of community and belonging. The central courtyard serves as an inviting communal space, fostering interaction among community members. The eco-friendly choice of materials, especially the Superadobe, stands out, as does the clever water management system.
|
They admired the thoughtful distinction between public and private spaces, though they thought the volunteer spaces could be improved. While the circular design presents construction challenges and may complicate phased building, the project's overall vision and innovation are commendable. Nonetheless, they suggested greater integration with the existing building to achieve a more harmonious ensemble.
|
[HONORABLE MENTIONS]
Mohamed Hussien
ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT
Alessandro Visentin, Andrea Pellizzon
VENICE, ITALY
Toshiyuki Kobayashi
TOKYO, JAPAN
Stoicescu Robert-Gabriel, Gurita Andreea
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Diego Peña, Blanca Dominguez
SEVILLE, SPAIN
Silas Erdmann, Christoph Bauer, Jakob Lenke
AACHEN, GERMANY
Roberto González, Oliver Raudales, Alberto Sainz, Eric Jalpa
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Joakim Häggström, Siyana Petrova, Tea Druskovic
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Sophie Egervari
MEERSBURG, GERMANY
Sara Parsadoust, Iraj Parsadoust, Amirreza Karimi
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
· THE FINALISTS ·
· full competition INFO·
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Further information (including plans, site pictures, videos and more) will be sent after registration
· JURY ·
He was shortlisted for the Aga Khan Architecture Award and won Archdaily's 2023 Building of the Year. His firm handles diverse projects, including architecture, landscape, furniture, and urban design. |
Joelle is a prominent figure in the world of sustainable construction with more than 10 years of experience. She co-founded Hive Earth Studio in 2018, specializing in rammed earth techniques in Ghana. |
Co-founders of Archifair, which focuses on ecological building projects in underdeveloped regions. They have successfully completed two exceptional mud projects in Ghana: mudLIBRARY and mudCAFETERIA. |
|