AAK DURACOAT AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2022 CEREMONY

• Projects completed by members of AAK in any part of the world over the last five years
• Projects located in Kenya, built and completed within the last five years by non-members of AAK but recommended/nominated by members of AAK.

• Best in Sustainability

Submissions under this category must exhibit commendable green building design principles in the local context. This includes architecture that complies with green building rating standards, application of new sustainable techniques in construction, unique use, re-use and recycling of alternative materials with low carbon rating.

• Best in Innovation

Submissions under this category must showcase a unique and innovative approach in the design and execution of a project. The problem being solved must be clearly outlined and the innovation must be relevant and applicable. This category includes iconic concepts that are not yet built but would offer a creative solution to the context at hand.

• Best Cultural

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.

• 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.

• Best Exterior Environment

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 way finding principles, universal access and measures for human comfort and safety while outdoors.

• Best Student Award

Submissions in this category must be conceptual projects from students currently enrolled in a University offering architecture in Kenya. It must showcase innovative use of design principles, be sustainable and have value addition to a specific site context.

1. Clarity of the design process, elements and principles employed to arrive at an original solution to meet the client’s brief. The use of enhanced architectural communication media is encouraged.

2. Contextual appropriateness that meets the physical site requirements and the local people’s aspirations, through acknowledgement and respect for specific site conditions and an intentional step towards having a positive socio-economic Impact.

3. Appealing form (shape and size) and suitable functional considerations for access and use of spaces. Design provisions for visual interest, charm and users experiences by attention to details.

4. Building standards must exhibit good performance, engineering, construction methods and appropriate use of materials.

5. Inclusive and integrated design approach That doesn’t alienate the local community and environment but rather involves them as much as possible in the lifecycle of the project.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE CONTESTANTS

Total submission per category 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 (1:200) indicating: topographical data, access, roadways, landscaping, and walkways. One other upper level or typical level floor plan (1:200).
• Max 4no. A2 sheet paper drawings of cross and longitudinal sections (part or whole) clearly indicating the levels and materials (1:200), 2no. detailed elevations (1:200).
• 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.

2. Detty Numbi Mbabi is an Architect and a Town and Regional Planner . She has worked individually and collectively on various projects in the Public and Private sectors in South Africa, D.R. Congo and Botswana. She’s the General Secretary of the Architects Women Association of D.R. Congo. She is a member of the National Council of Architects of Congo and an active member of the Green Construction Commission in the same organization.

3. Omar Degan is a Somali-Italian Architect, Principal and founder of DO Architecture Group, an architecture office specialized in Emergency contexts, Post-conflict reconstruction and cultural diversity.The principle of his firm, which is based between Somalia-USA and Italy, lies in designing culturally, historically and climatically relevant solutions to social problems around the world, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable communities and minorities.

Each participating firm gets 2 tickets to the Awards Dinner on 25^th February 2022 at the Nairobi Serena Hotel.

Acc No – AWARDS