The Komera Leadership Center Is a Finalist for the Architizer A+Awards!
We are so excited, honored, and grateful to share that this year the Komera Leadership Center is a finalist for the Architizer A+Awards in five different categories! This honor would not be possible without the hard work, dedication, and support from our community. Being a finalist for the awards is only possible because our community believed in the power of creating a home for Komera — a home that will serve the Rwinkwavu community for generations to come!
How you can support Komera to win!
Every day between May 1 - May 12 the polls will be open for voting. Each day you vote gets us one step closer to winning in one (or all) of the categories we are finalists in. To vote follow the steps below.
1) Register to vote here
2) Once you’ve registered, click on each link below to be directed to each category Komera is in
Institutional:
Concepts:
Learn more about the design from the Architect of the Center, Bruce Engel of BE Design.
The Komera Leadership Center, in the rural eastern province of Rwanda, provides health, education, and mentorship programs for young women, and is a place for family development initiatives and community gatherings. Sitting strategically on the main road across from the village football pitch, the Leadership Center acts as a much needed community and education hub for local residents.
The heart of the building features a flexible space that functions as a gathering hall or a series of classrooms to accommodate the wide variety of activities and programs the community wanted for the Leadership Center. Large hinging translucent panels transform the space. When closed, they create three classrooms. When the panels are opened 90 degrees, they create a large meeting hall for the community. When fully open to 270 degrees, the space can accommodate larger events such as performances, or ceremonies. Large adjacent storage spaces enable these transforming spatial functions.
The roof forms, woven eucalyptus screens, and brick patterns, are inspired by the traditional “Imigongo” art originating from this region, and carry an association with the Rwandan word “Komera” meaning “to stand strong, to have courage.” The large roof connects the administration, health & counseling, classroom & gathering, kitchen & dining spaces, creating an abundance of covered exterior spaces for break-out classes and informal meetings. The large eucalyptus screens provide shade, and a sense of enclosure and privacy for these exterior spaces.
Working with our partners, Rwanda Village Enterprises (RVE), the Center was constructed with the vast majority of materials being locally sourced. We employed a local workforce and maintained an average 40% female representation, providing on-site skilled labor training, good income & savings accounts, PPE & safety equipment, and marketable construction skills. We worked closely with the community and their contributions were vital from conception to completion of their center.
Who is Architizer?
Founded in 2009, Architizer’s mission is to empower architects with information to build better buildings, better cities and a better world. At its core, Architizer works to empower Architects by connecting designers with building-product manufacturers, and via our inspiring content, awards programs, competitions and global reach spotlighting the world’s best architecture.
What are the Architizer A+Awards?
Now in its 11th season, Architizer's A+Awards program — the world's largest awards program for architecture and spaces — continues to drive home to its original mission: To democratize architecture, highlight the immense value of great design, and celebrate those that demonstrate excellence through their projects.
The A+Awards celebrates the extraordinary work of the world's best firms, highlighting the work of pioneering architects and designers as they strive to create architecture that will stand the test of time — for this decade and the next. The A+Awards are bigger than just the architectural community. The 250+ member jury academy is comprised of leaders who are actively shaping the world we live in, representing a sought-after segment of design-savvy professionals including distinguished luminaries from fields as diverse as fashion, publishing, product design, real estate development and tech. Each year, Finalists and Winners get their work in front of the people who matter and gain recognition as the year’s most influential visionaries.
Want to learn more about the Komera Leadership Center? Check out our Leadership Center page!