Kaira Looro 2024 Architecture Competition is a design contest open to students and young architects with aims to discover new talents and to adopt sustainable architecture models for humanitarian purpose to improve life conditions in developing countries. Cash prizes, Internship and construction are provided for winners, selected by an international jury made up of prestigious architectural firms.

The challenge of 2024’s edition is to design a ‘Maternity Centre’ in Southern of Senegal. This facility should be a place where women can feel safe, receive essential medical care, and enjoy optimal sanitary conditions as well as the presence of qualified medical staff. The jury are looking for an innovative model – an emblematic, cosy and professional place where every woman can feel safe. The building must be designed as a humanitarian operation and for self-construction, i.e., without qualified personnel or construction companies, with the direct participation of the local community, without the use of heavy vehicles, and with sustainable technologies and local materials.

The project must include at least the following areas, which may be developed in one or more structures according to the architect’s vision:

• Reception area and waiting room
• Reserved area for healthcare personnel
• Medical examination and consultation area
• Operating area for caesarean sections
• Neonatal observation area
• Labour and delivery area

Prizes:

• 1st Prize:
  • 5.000 €;
  • Construction Internship at Kengo Kuma & Associates Japan;
  • Sharing with partners; Exhibition & Events;
  • Publication on the official book & magazines;
  • Certificate.
• 2nd Prize:
  • 2.000 €; Internship at EMBT Architects, Spain;
  • Sharing with partners; Exhibition & Events;
  • Publication on the official book & magazines;
  • Certificate.
• 3rd Prize:
  • 1.000 €;
  • Internship at SBGA | Blengini Ghirardelli, Italy;
  • Sharing with partners; Exhibition & Events;
  • Publication on the official book & magazines;
  • Certificate.
• 2 Honorables Mentions:
  • 100 €;
  • Sharing with partners;
  • Exhibition & Events;
  • Publication on the book;
  • Certificate.
• 5 Special Mentions
  • Sharing with partners;
  • Exhibition & Events;
  • Publication on the book;
  • Certificate.
• 20 Finalists
  • 20 Top 50;
  • Exhibition & Events;
  • Publication on the book;
  • Certificate.