Winners 2022
Architecture of Necessity 2022 winners announced
The Architecture of Necessity 2022 competition has now been decided. The competition attracted entries from all over the world and the jury has awarded three winners and three honorary mentions.
An Architecture of Necessity seeks to award those architectural works that fulfil the criteria for the manifesto an Architecture of Necessity (read it here) and that are in the forefront of rethinking a future with an architecture that is responsible, conscientious, sustainable, just and open.
This year the jury asked the contestants to consider Rurban and the thoughts raised by the concept. It has regarded the importance of architecture as a participatory process, where the needs and desires of the end users are allowed to inform both the design and build process. Lastly, an architecture based on system thinking that is scaleable and sustainable often with close ties to local logistics, vernacular and workforce has been rewarded by the jury.
The exhibition an Architecture of Necessity, showing all the participating projects, opens on the 13th of august.
Winners are, in no particular order: Gyaan Ashray, Ahmedabad, India by Chaal Chaal Agency, to Hostels for School girls, Tanzania by Hollmén, Reuter, Sandman, and to Earth Building Collective, Mako, Senegal by Studio Suddo Nueve .
Jury motivation, winners:
Gyaan Ashray, Ahmedabad, India Chaal Chaal Agency
This extremely charming project shows what an activism-based student project can achieve in collaboration with marginalised groups, in this case women who have taken the initiative to gather in the evening on roof terraces to learn reading, writing and arithmetics.
The ephemeral nature of the construction is in a way a promise of its long-term sustainability. With the cheapest possible reusable materials it creates both climate protection and a desired privacy for the women, which could guarantee its reproducibility.
Hostels for School girls, Tanzania Hollmén, Reuter, Sandman
This project fulfils all requirements for an Architecture of Necessity. In a simple, yet beautiful architecture it reinvents the classical typology of the cloister, creating a protected space for young schoolgirls, empowering them and ensuring they get their education safely.
The architects have long experience in handling local conditions, both culturally in the form of user participation and technically in the use of local materials. The project is one in a series, thus having the systemic approach that is essential for a truly sustainable architecture.
Earth Building Collective, Mako, Senegal Studio Suddo Nueve
Locally produced earth blocks have great advantages over energy consuming, centrally produced concrete. It is a traditional technique in regions with scarce access to wood and gives good climate control. It can also be developed for use in a more urban context.
The great leap forward of this project is that it, based on meticulous research, establishes an open building system that is socially sustainable and can develop autonomously in the hands of local craftsmen that are educated and trusted to build according to their own preferences.
Jury motivation, honorary mentions:
Local Actvity Center Rybnik, Poland Marlena Wolnik MWArchiteci
The need for a local meeting point and activity center for both adults and young people was met with a simple wooden structure, developed in collaboration with locals but supported economically by the city administration. Three such centers have been built so far.
The twisted wooden construction has a clear identity that contrasts with its surroundings. Yet it was simple to build for local contractors, unexperienced in carpentry work. The terrace form has a usable inside as well as outside, for meetings of different scale, for protection and challenges.
Versus Skatng Rink, Nantes, France TITAN
In a sensitive classical urban context a modern function, a skating rink for roller derby, was introduced temporarily in a way that invited both activity and laid-back contemplation of city life. The white concrete mimics the classical buildings around the central square.
The whole structure was made in prefabricated concrete blocks and demountable for rebuilding in another location. The classical moulding of the enclosure was at the same time a reusable multi-purpose seating area. Classical form showed its adaptability.
Puntukurnu PAMS Healthcare Hub, Newman, Australia KAUNITZ YEUNG Architecture
This is the first primary healthcare center built in this remote area, 1400km north of Perth. It is financed by a not-for-profit organisation and addresses the health problems of the aborigine population, caused by long-time discrimination and loss of local culture.
The design is based on consulting the local community over years. The beautiful courtyard is a typology for desert climates. Rammed earth is used for the walls, a sustainable material that is for free. Screens with patterns designed by local artists filters the bright light and give identity.