AAK DURACOAT AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE IN ARCHITECTURE 2024

Objective

The primary objective of The AAK DuraCoat Awards of Excellence in Architecture is to celebrate and recognize outstanding achievements in the field of architecture, acknowledging architects and architectural projects that demonstrate innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. Through this prestigious platform, we aim to inspire and promote a culture of architectural excellence, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment within the architectural community. Overall, the AAK Duracoat Awards of Excellence in Architecture aspires to set a benchmark for architectural standards, encourage continuous improvement, and celebrate the visionary individuals and projects that shape the architectural landscape of Kenya.

Projects Eligible for Submission

1.       Projects completed by members of either:

a.       Architectural Association of Kenya

b.       Rwanda Institute of Architects

c.       Uganda Society of Architects

d.       Architects Association of Tanzania

in any part of the world in the last five years.

Submission Categories:

The AAK Duracoat Awards of Excellence in Architecture 2024 invites submissions in the following categories. The projects could include but not limited to residential. Commercial, hospitality, educational, social, heritage, urban design and landscape design.

The submissions will be evaluated in the categories:

1.     Best African (re)presentation

Submissions under this category are those that well represent our local livelihoods, traditions, history and/or national heritage. Meanings can be abstracted from local artefacts, practices, textures and patterns. It must also exhibit thought and relevance to our region.

2.     Best Interior Environment

Submissions under this category must relay creative design for indoor space. The entries must add value to the space in terms of layout, ambience and comfort in a unique way through spatial arrangement, furniture, lighting and ventilation, textures and colours.

3.     Best Landscape Architecture

Submissions under this category must showcase thoughtful design and implementation of an outdoor space from a micro-planning level to an urban planning stage. It can showcase deliberate use of wayfinding principles, universal access and measures for human comfort and safety while outdoors.

4.     Best Empowerment & Social Equity Through Design

Submissions in this category must exhibit thoughtful design consideration taking into account the vulnerable groups and marginalized communities, including PWD, through innovative solutions that enhance livelihoods, accessibility, and participation in societal activities.

5. Best Commercial
Submissions in this category should exemplify excellence in commercial architecture. Projects could include innovative designs for office buildings, retail spaces, or mixed-use developments. Entries will be judged based on their functionality, sustainability, and contribution to the urban landscape.

6. Best Residential
This category seeks submissions that showcase outstanding residential architecture. Whether it’s a single-family home, apartment complex, or housing community, entries should demonstrate creativity, functionality, and integration with the surrounding environment. Judges will look for designs that prioritize comfort, livability, and aesthetic appeal.

7. Institutional Excellence
Entries in this category should highlight exceptional design and functionality in institutional architecture. This could encompass a wide range of buildings such as schools, hospitals, government facilities, or cultural centers. Submissions will be evaluated based on their ability to meet the unique needs of the institution, promote user well-being, and contribute positively to the community.

8.     Best Student/Graduate Award

Submissions in this category must be conceptual projects from students currently enrolled in a University offering architecture or landscape architecture in East Africa or fresh graduates (one year). It must showcase innovative use of design principles, be sustainable and have value addition to a specific site context.

Please note that a Project may be submitted in more than one category

Evaluation  Criteria

{Team: Please review/update – below from past reports}

1.       Design – Innovation, Technologies, Originality and Creativity; 45%

2.       Contextual appropriateness – Cultural, Environmental, Physical, Social – 20%

3.       Sustainability – Design, Process (Construction, others), Lifetime Use and Durability- 15%

4.       Socio-Economic Impact – 10%

5.       Creative use of materials – 10%

Jury Members

1.     Fawaz Bisher (Kenya)

2.     Jacqueline Namayanja (EAIA President)

3.     Sherif Morgan (Egypt)

Submission Format

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE CONTESTANTS

Total submission per project to be a maximum total of 8no. A2 sheet papers in good resolution PDF or JPEG file format. Clarity and quality of presentation as well as completeness of requested information will be assessed at the shortlisting stage.

1no. A2 sheet paper in vertical (portrait) format, explaining overall design concept, scale at the contestant’s discretion (outline plans, sections, facades, and perspectives). This is essential for the preliminary evaluation and shortlisting of submitted projects.

Max 2no. A2 sheet paper drawing of ground floor plan (1:100) indicating: topographical data, access, roadways, landscaping, and walkways. One other upper level or typical level floor plan (1:100)

Max 4no. A2 sheet paper drawings of cross and longitudinal sections (part or whole) clearly indicating the levels and materials ((1:100), 2no. detailed elevations (1:100).

1no. A2 sheet paper of 3D visualizations of interior or exterior drawings (can be perspectives, isometric, axonometric, sectional perspectives, or other).

All drawings to include annotated description of the key design elements and/or principles employed.

Please compile the drawings in one hi-resolution .pdf file and upload on the link that accompanies this message.

Please note that the sheets must not include the identity of the firm/architect submitting the project.

Additional Information: may be requested after the submission at the discretion of the planning committee and jury.

Submission Deadline

21^st February 2024, 2359H (EAT)

Submission Portal

Click on the link below

Submission Fees

A non-refundable fee of KES 5,000/- per project. Each participating firm to get 2 tickets to the Awards Dinner on 29^th February 2024 

This fee is payable by:

·       M-pesa – Paybill No: 988567; Account Number: AWARDS

·       Cheque in favour of AAK ARCHITECTS CHAPTER

·       Bank Transfer to: Account Name : AAK ARCHITECTS CHAPTER
Bank : Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB),  Kipande House 
Account No : 1103871277
Swift code : KCBLKENX005

There is no submission fee applicable to the Best Student Award category

Other Terms and Conditions

Consent: By submitting materials for the AAK Duracoat Awards of Excellence in Architecture, entrants are giving AAK permission to store and publish all images and information for any promotional, CPD and educational use and for the records, both physical and on the web.

It is the responsibility of entrants to obtain all necessary consents from other stakeholders to the projects, including project owners prior to submitting entries.

Exhibition: All projects submitted will be shown to the public at an exhibition at the ADD Building, University of Nairobi or such other places as the planning team deems fit.