The International Union of Architects (UIA) has teamed up with the United Nations to launch an award for designers whose work advances the UN’s sustainable development agenda.
Held every two years, the contest will invite architects to submit completed projects that demonstrate both design quality and the achievement of the UN-Habitat’s sustainable development goals.
The first is now open for entries and winners will be announced next year.
The UIA said the awards are aimed at meeting the challenges of climate change, rapid urbanisation and deepening inequality caused by the impact of the Covid-19.
It is especially committed to the 11th sustainable development goal, which is ‘To make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’.
The awards have six categories:
1. The Open Category recognises the project that has made the most significant overall contribution to delivery of the goals;
2. Improving energy efficiency without compromising design quality;
3. Adequate, safe and affordable housing;
4. Participatory, land-use efficient and inclusive settlement planning;
5. Access to green and public space;
6. Use of local materials.
The competition will be run in two stages. Stage one submissions will be assessed on a regional basis, after which the jury will select up to three finalists in each category to go forward to the second stage.
A medal will be presented to one winner in each of the six categories, together with commendations for the remaining regional finalists.
Image: The awards are a response to growing alarm over the impact of climate change, urbanisation and global inequality (Dreamstime)
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