Kaira Looro Architecture Competition 2023: Innovative Design for a Primary School in Senegal

The seventh edition of the "Kaira Looro" international architecture competition for students and young architects has begun, with the goal of promoting the careers of emerging architectural talent, raising awareness about emergency issues, and supporting humanitarian projects. Registrations for the 2023 competition, which calls for the design of an elementary school in rural Senegal, have been open since January 13th, 2023.

The selection process aims to choose an architectural model for a primary school that can improve the education and well-being of children, secure their right to study, and provide the necessary physical and mental conditions for their development. The ideal design would be a facility that not only serves as a school but also as a community center, hosting various cross-curricular activities. The goal is to create a model that instills confidence in students, the community, and authorities, through its unique and symbolic design, while also being simple and easy to construct.

The project must be designed with the consideration of a humanitarian intervention and self-construction process, without the use of specialized personnel, and with the direct participation of the local community. As such, it must meet certain construction requirements.

Participation is open to architects, students, designers, engineers, and anyone who wants to propose a solution to the theme. It is possible to participate in the competition individually or in teams, with one requirement: the presence of under 35 years old on the team. 

Calendar & Deadlines:

Early registrations: 13rd Jan - 28th Febr 2023

Normal registrations: 1st March - 9th Apr 2023

Late registrations: 10th Apr - 15th May 2023

FAQ answer deadline: 1st June 2023

Submissions Deadline: 11th June 2023

Jury evaluation: 2rth June - 01st July 2023

Winners announcements: 10th July 2023

 

The competition will be judged by a panel of renowned architects including Kengo Kuma, Benedetta Tagliabue, Agostino Ghirardelli, Manuel Aires Mateus, Raul Pantaleo, Mphethi Morojele, Emmanuelle Lamoureux, Saad El Kabbaj, Driss Kettani, and Mohamed Amine Siana. The panel will be assisted by a scientific committee consisting of Raoul Vecchio, Sebastiano D’Urso, and another specialist in architecture and humanitarian actions. 

Awards will be given to the top three places, as well as two honourable mentions, two special mentions, 20 finalists, and 20 Top 50. The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of 5,000 € and an internship at Kengo Kuma & Associates in Japan, and their project will be constructed as a humanitarian intervention. The second-place team will receive an internship at EMBT Miralles Tagliabue in Spain for 2,000 €, and the third-place team will receive an internship at SBGA Blengini Ghiradelli in Italy and 1,000 €. All submitted projects will be published on the competition's website and in an official book, shared with 30 global media partners, and presented to institutional partners. 

The competition is organized by the Balouo Salo Non-Profit Organization, which is focused on charitable projects in Africa. All proceeds from registration fees will be donated to humanitarian projects in Africa aimed at improving living conditions in rural communities.