Announcing the DENCITY 2016 winners!

The multi-faceted consequences of rapid urbanization are overwhelmingly evident with the more than 1 billion slum dwellers worldwide — and that number is expected to reach 2 billion by 2030. In response to this gripping problem, Shelter Global launched the DENCITY competition, which asks architects and designers how they would help alleviate sub-standard housing conditions through self-sufficient and empowering means.

First launched last year, DENCITY was successful yet again for 2016. With no restrictions to site, program, or size, participants had the freedom to be as creative as possible. The jury — which comprised of eight renowned architects and urban planners — selected the three prize winners, along with five special mentions.

Have a look at this year's winners below.

1ST PLACE: Mumbai: Versova Koliwada. Entry by Jai Bhadgaonkar, Ketaki Tare

Created by Jai Bhadgaonkar and Ketaki Tare of Mumbai, their proposal “aims to address critical issues relevant to the design of the Koliwada community. They propose incorporating floatation devices that would positively impact the mangroves and coral in that area. The base of a floating island can be created by tying the bottles into plastic nets and attaching them to wooden boards. Jury member, Katie Crepeau, states that ‘the proposal has a deep understanding of the not only the local community but it's wider connection to the city of Mumbai in social, economic and political contexts.’”

2ND PLACE: Johannesburg: Incremental Alex. Entry by Lauren Brosius

Lauren Brosius, a recent graduate of Philadelphia University, won second place for “Incremental Alex”, which focuses on the Alexandra Township in Johannesburg, one of the city's poorest urban areas. Her proposal “revolves around the idea of refocusing RPD funding toward improving the infrastructure rather than just building homes. By providing residents with basic infrastructure it allows them a way out of the poverty cycle as well as brings growth and formality to a very informal situation. Jury member, Julia King believes the project was a ‘very good analysis of a deprived and peripheral neighborhood combined with a sound proposal for how to incrementally develop housing.’”

3RD PLACE: Cairo: Allometric Sake. Entry by: Amira Abdel-Rahman, Gabriel Muñoz Moreno, Santiago Serna Gonzalez

Third place went to Amira Abdel-Rahman, Gabriel Muñoz Moreno, and Santiago Serna Gonzalez from Harvard University. Their entry “chooses to address the ventilation of slums. They focus on retrofitting existing slums and improving their thermal performance through a passively powered space conditioning system. Peter William’s from Archive Global notices that this project is ‘tackling one of the most pressing issues in informal settlements, offering a radical solution.’”

Don't forget about the Special Mentions in the image gallery below!

You can find all the winning and special mention proposals in their entirety here.