A South African school for the future
This year’s World Architecture Festival was, as ever, filled with inspiring global design – particular stand outs for the team include the Redhill Early Learning Centre in Johannesburg, where architects Hubo Studio positioned students and teachers as natural collaborators, creating an uplifting ‘mini city’ for them. The project team took home the gong for Best Use of Natural Light.
A beautiful project: we were particularly impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of architects Michelle and Asher, who had travelled to Miami from Johannesburg to present the scheme. At their crit they told us about the extensive research they undertook ahead of their design work: interviewing every single teacher about their needs and creating a building that can be used for both learning and play.
Redhill Early Learning Centre by Hubo Studio © Elsa Young
A Spanish church for the community
The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Centre of Las Chumberas, by Fernando Menis Studio was declared Building of the Year by a panel of judges who described it ‘as a work of utter conviction’ and noted the pace and thoughtfulness of its construction and its role within the community, as well as the use of material, daylight and sound. We too were moved by the design, and Fernando’s enthusiasm for the space, in which he worships with his family.
The Holy Redeemer Church and Community Centre of Las Chumberas by Fernando Menis © Roland Halbe
High-density housing in China
Safdie Architects was shortlisted for the Housing Prize in the Completed Buildings category for Habitat Qinhuangdao, a project impressive in both its scale, and its ambition to provide high density housing without compromising access to light and nature. Located 200 miles east of Beijing, Habitat Qinhuangdao follows the principles set out in Safdie’s iconic Habitat 67: access to nature is integrated in both private and communal spaces, and units are oriented to maximise sunlight. The design proves it’s possible to build residential housing that prioritises wellbeing and affordability at scale.
Habitat Qinhuangdao by Safdie Architects © Shao Feng
A Singaporean resort for the rainforest
Mandai Rainforest Resort by WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design, was awarded a WAF Interiors prize in the Hotels category, in recognition of its status as Singapore’s first hotel to achieve the country’s Green Mark Super Low Energy certification, awarded by the Building and Construction Authority.
The overall design creates a truly immersive feeling, in harmony with surrounding rainforest. While phrases like ‘letting the outside in’ can feel increasingly cliche, the resort feels like the real deal.
Mandai Rainforest Resort by WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design © Aaron Pocock