Archstorming, in partnership with the NGO Fundación Vicente Ferrer (FVF) and its local partner Rural Development Trust (RDT), is launching a competition to create a versatile Community Center prototype for rural communities in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Since 1969, these NGOs have dedicated efforts to transform the impoverished regions of southern India. This competition focuses on a key part of FVF-RDT’s mission: the construction of community centers to enhance community cohesion and facilitate collective decision-making.

The first Community Center, arising from this competition, will be constructed in Kodidoddi, a remote village in Andhra Pradesh lacking essential facilities. Currently, the community gathers under a tree for lack of a better meeting place, with no adequate venue for educational programs or space for young mothers' basic needs. This project aims to fill these gaps, linking Kodidoddi to the broader world through a center that promotes learning, gathering, and empowerment.

The challenge

The competition's goal is to develop a replicable Community Center prototype adaptable to the specific needs of various villages. The design should include a fixed core structure that encapsulates essential community spaces, with flexibility for optional elements tailored to each village's unique requirements and priorities. 

Emphasis on modularity will enable the incorporation of these optional components as community needs evolve or as additional funds become available. 

The prototype must serve the community effectively, emphasizing durability, ease of maintenance, and construction simplicity to accommodate local building practices. At the same time, innovative construction methods are encouraged to enhance sustainability and functionality.

Prizes

1st place: 6,000€ + Project Construction

2nd place: 2,000€

3rd place: 1,000€

2x Special Honorable Mention: 500€

10x Honorable Mentions

Winning projects and finalists will be published in magazines, blogs, architecture websites, and Archstorming's social media and website. Digital participation certificates provided to all contestants.

Schedule

March 7th - April 4th, 2024: Early Registration Period

April 5th - May 1st, 2024: Regular Registration Period

May 2nd - May 29th, 2024: Advanced Registration Period

May 30th - June 19th, 2024: Late Registration Period

June 19th, 2024: Submission Deadline

June 19th, 2024 – July 10th, 2024: Jury decision

July 10th, 2024: Winners Announced

Jury

Rajashekar Reddy, Rural Development Trust, Chikkaballapur (India)

Maialen Gonzalo, Vicente Ferrer Foundation, Madrid (Spain)

Felice Burrows, Architects&Co, Perth (Australia)

Y. Rameswari, Rural Development Trust, Andhra Pradesh (India)

D. Useni, Local Government, Kodidoddi (India)

B. Eramma, Anganwadi Teacher, Kodidoddi (India)

B. Peddaiah, Community Committee, Kodidoddi (India)

B. Renukamma, Community Committee, Kodidoddi (India)

FAQs & eligibility

- For common queries, refer to the FAQ section on our website. During the competition, individual responses will be provided to questions sent via email.

- The competition is open to all, including architecture students, professional architects, and individuals from other disciplines such as engineering, philosophy, sociology, photography, etc. All nationalities are welcome, we appreciate as diverse participation as possible.

- Teams can consist of one to four members, all of whom must be at least 18 years old. The registration fee is per team, irrespective of team size.

- If a team or participant wishes to submit more than one proposal, they must register and pay the fee for each submission.

- Jurors, the organization, or anyone directly related to the jury are not allowed to participate in this competition.

Registrations are open. Get all the information here.

Top image courtesy of Archstorming.

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