Pregnancy and childbirth remain significant challenges for women in Sub-Saharan Africa, where over 200,000 lives are lost annually due to a lack of basic care. The Kaira Looro Architecture Competition 2024 addresses this critical issue by inviting students and young architects worldwide to propose innovative designs for a Maternity Centre in rural areas of Africa.
The Challenge
In Africa, one in 16 women faces the risk of maternal death, a stark contrast to one in 35,000 in other parts of the world with access to prenatal care. The competition seeks to raise awareness, support humanitarian projects, and nurture new architectural talent under the theme of emergency architecture.
Who Can Participate
Open to architects, students, designers, and engineers, the competition encourages both individual and team entries. The only requirement is the inclusion of team members under 35 years old.
Distinguished Jury
Entries will be evaluated by a jury of renowned architects, including Kengo Kuma, Benedetta Tagliabue, Agostino Ghirardelli, Mario Cucinella, Raul Pantaleo, Tosin Oshinowo, Emmanuelle Moureaux, and others, ensuring a fair and expert assessment.
Awards and Recognition
The competition offers a range of awards, including cash prizes, internships at prestigious architectural studios, and the construction of the winning project as a humanitarian intervention. All selected projects will be published on the competition’s website, in the official book, and shared with global media and institutional partners.
Design Requirements
Participants are challenged to design a Maternity Centre that operates as a humanitarian intervention, allowing for self-construction with local community involvement. The design should prioritize sustainability, use of local materials, and avoid heavy machinery.
Submission Details
The competition opens for registration on January 12, 2024, with deadlines for early, normal, and late registrations. The final submission deadline is June 11, 2024. Winners will be announced on July 9, 2024.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Organized by the Balouo Salo Humanitarian Organization, the competition’s proceeds from registration fees will contribute entirely to improving living conditions in rural African communities through charitable projects.
For more information and to register, visit www.kairalooro.com. Let’s come together to create architectural solutions that make a lasting impact on maternal healthcare in Africa.
Kaira Looro Architecture Competition – Building a Better Future, One Design at a Time.
