The team transformed the site by designing a vocational training centre, with public toilets, water kiosks and an affordable housing block, built with local materials. The project integrated green spaces, rainwater harvesting systems, and renewable energy solutions to reduce pollution and promote environmental resilience.

The team explained that the most rewarding part of participating in this competition “has been the opportunity to collaborate with the Freetown community, incorporating their cultural identity into a sustainable design. Engaging with local artisans, stakeholders, and residents has enriched our understanding of the city’s values, allowing us to create a solution that resonates with their needs. The chance to reimagine urban spaces for marginalised groups like the United Polio Brothers and Sisters Association (UPBSA), while addressing environmental challenges, has been deeply fulfilling. This experience has reinforced our belief in the power of inclusive, community-driven design to create lasting, positive change.”

Congratulations to all teams that participated! Check out the documentation tab to view the winning team's proposal. 

Special Mention, Second Place | METArq, Corporación Universitaria de la Costa - CUC

• Team members: Zara Juliana Cortés Bermúdez, Santiago Torres Mendoza, Larry Palacio Peralta, Samarlis Julieth Mejia Mena, Iván David Alarcón Catano & Stefany Jimenez Lambrano

• Advisor: Samuel E. Padilla-Llano, PhD

The site is owned by Freetown City Council and is leased to stakeholders, including the United Polio Brothers and Sisters Association (UPBSA), who are managing the site’s ongoing development projects. Currently, a total of 95 stakeholders are involved in activities in the compound. As the legal custodian of the land, Freetown City Council is in a stable position to develop the area, according to the wishes of the community. 

The site operates as a multifunctional unit, and encapsulates a dynamic blend of elements, including a garbage collection transfer station (operated by the local authority as a separate entity); a training school, retail shops, and temporary residential units. 

The Mayor of Freetown has committed to improving the residential facilities for the well-being, safety, security, and comfort of residents. Thus, the city envisages a bold redevelopment plan for the area to address the growing community needs, and inject new life into the community's economic, social, and environmental core. 

Approx. site area:

The site is on flat terrain with an area that is a scalene in shape (four sides are different in length). The perimeters are 269m (North) x 103m(East) 160m (South) 76m (West). 

Key Information:

The population consists of 75 residents (22 families) whose spirit fosters a close-knit community atmosphere.

Priority areas & main expectations:

The site’s diverse uses provide an excellent foundation for the development of an established multi-purpose complex. As this is a small-scale site, students should develop a vertical, mixed-use extension design that includes retail, leisure, and residential facilities, as well as a training school and nursery. The structure should be accessible and inclusive to all, and integrate sustainable construction practices.

The jury panel who evaluated all submitted projects consisted of the following members:

• Arc Abel Onomake, Director & Hon Secretary Gen of the Sierra Leone Institute of Architects | IDEAS Ltd / Sierra Leone Institute of Architects

• Ing. Dustan Sackey, Acting City Engineer | Freetown City Council

• Ing. Modupe Wiliams, Planning & Integration Expert | Freetown City Council

• Mariama Whitmore, Senior Project Manager | Freetown City Council

• Arc. Manilius Garber, CEO & President | Sierra Leone Institute of Architects

• Manilius Garber, Architect | JYGA Architects & Sierra Leone Institute of Architects

• John Miracle Saccoh, Environmental Assistant & Secretary to the Jury Panel | Freetown City Council

• Sallieu Thaimu Kanu, Senior Manager for Youth Engagement | C40 Cities