Projekte in Marokko, Ecuador und Irak gewinnen Terra-Architekturpreise

Projects in Morocco, Ecuador and Iraq have been named winners of the Terra Landscape Architectural Award, an international competition celebrating the use of earthen materials in architectural design. Announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, the awards were presented as part of Terra 2027, World Congress on Earthen Architecture, which will take place in Al Ain for the first time in the Arab region. The competition drew 73 entries from 27 countries, resulting in 20 projects being shortlisted across three distinct categories. The winning project in the Dialogue with Existing Cultural Landscape category was the Living Heritage Centre located within the medina of Tiznit, Morocco. Designed by Studio Salima Naji Architects, this centre was acknowledged for its seamless integration into the historical fabric of the area and its respectful application of traditional building techniques from southern Morocco. The project’s success highlights the potential of contemporary design to coexist harmoniously with established cultural landscapes. In the Integration into the Natural Site category, La Casa de las Rocas in Susudel, Ecuador, emerged victorious. This adobe house, crafted by Fausto Cardoso Martinez, Stephanie Suter, Jose Uzho and Manuel Campoverde, was lauded for its thoughtful use of local resources and its deep connection to the surrounding natural environment. The project exemplifies how architecture can enhance rather than disrupt the ecological context in which it is situated. The Celebrating Local Resources and Know-how category saw the Healing Garden and Therapy Centre for Women and Children in Chamchamal, in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, crowned with the top prize. Designed by ZRS Architekten, the facility was praised for its adaptation to the local climate and cultural practices, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and culturally sensitive design. This recognition underscores the importance of tailoring architectural solutions to specific regional contexts. Other notable recipients included the Kopila Valley School in Surkhet, Nepal, by Prabal Thapa Architects, which earned second prize in the Integration into the Natural Site category. The school’s layout reflects the terrain’s contours, supported by rammed-earth walls that echo traditional construction methods. Meanwhile, the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture in Gashora, designed by MASS and Arup, and the LMHS School and Dormitory in Zanskar, India, by Atelier TANKA and Architectes Sans Frontieres France, secured second and third places respectively in the same category. Several other projects received special mentions for their community-focused approaches and innovative use of local knowledge. These include the Pahariapara School in Bangladesh, the Joao Amazonas Socio-Environmental Centre in Brazil, and the Jean Rostand School Lunchroom in France. Each of these projects was noted for fostering collaboration between architects and local populations, reinforcing the idea that inclusive design processes lead to more meaningful outcomes. Winners of the Terra Landscape Architectural Award will participate in discussions at Terra 2027, focusing on strategies for preserving and managing earthen cultural landscapes. The congress aims to bring together experts, practitioners and policymakers to explore ways of sustaining these unique environments through informed and responsible architectural practice.