Designs for the aftermath of disasters honored in UIA competition

The International Union of Architects (UIA) has unveiled the winners of its Architecture in the Aftermath of Disasters competition. Open to young architects, the competition called on entrants to imagine new forms of architectural intervention in the aftermath of disaster, focusing on the 2023 earthquake in Morocco. 

The competition sought to “raise awareness of the complex interconnection between natural and human-made crises and calls for visionary proposals that can heal, protect, and regenerate.” The competition was open to entrants under the age of 40 from around the world. 

Full details of the results can be found on the competition's official website. The winning schemes were as follows:

First Prize 
Tran Huu Khoa (Viet Nam)

Jury excerpt: “The first prize stood out from the outset of the Jury’s deliberations for its strong and innovative design methodology, capable of addressing both the wider community context and the individual human scale, while expressing a deep understanding of culture and place in Douar Izloulen. Rooted in the vernacular and environmental specificity of the site, the proposal draws from local crafts, the cultural landscape, and active social engagement to develop a coherent and compelling strategy for reconstruction.”

Second Prize 
Patrick Yakana Baliaba, with Sidoine Baudrel Nde Keulek and Lizette Marlaine Tsafack Donfack (Cameroon)

Jury excerpt: “The second prize, “Izlloulen Resilient Village”, is distinguished by its deep contextual understanding of the site and its careful reinterpretation of local traditions through innovative and resilient strategies. Grounded in a thorough study of climatic conditions, topography, environmental risks, and erosion, the project proposes a balanced approach that combines rammed earth construction with sustainable technologies for energy and water management, preserving cultural identity and local craftsmanship while enhancing structural safety, environmental performance, and adaptability.”

Third Prize 
Oğuzhan Safa Yağcilar (Turkey)

Jury excerpt: “The third prize, “SUR”, demonstrates remarkable potential through its concept of regeneration, framing disaster as a process of rebirth supported by a deep understanding of the local context. The project proposes adaptive design solutions that enhance resilience, enabling communities to rebuild in ways that are both restorative and forward-looking, while strengthening their capacity for more resilient and adaptable environments.”

Fourth Prize 
Asude Gündoğdu and Sefa Cengiz Okan (Turkey)

Jury excerpt: “The fourth prize, “CORE-NECT”, enhances post-disaster resilience through a network of public focal points organised around a central “core”, including spaces such as the Religion and Social Life Centre, supporting the touiza tradition of mutual aid. The project effectively combines macro-scale planning with a strong community focus.”

Fifth Prize 
Uğur Özkalaycı, with Müge Uysal and Şevval Tatar (Turkey)

Jury excerpt: “The fifth prize, “Radix Rubra”, is commended for its focus on the revitalisation of craftsmanship and collective engagement in rebuilding with the landscape, addressing both ecological and cultural resilience within an urban–rural framework. Rooted in the memory of Morocco’s red landscape, the project proposes a strategy of “transformation without rupture”, using the existing fabric as a living ground for new growth.”