The Ammodo Architecture Award (AAA), initiated by the Ammodo Foundation, works for committed and sustainable architecture. This new biennial prize has just rewarded 23 innovative and impactful projects, which redefine the role of architecture to meet the social and environmental challenges of our time.
The Ammodo Foundation, based in the Netherlands, is recognized for its commitment to Art, culture and science. By collaborating with a panel of international experts from the fields of architecture, urban planning and social development, the new AAA competition aims to identify and support projects that positively transform society.
The international and multidisciplinary advisory committee is chaired this year by Joumana El Zein Khouryexecutive director of the World Press Photo Foundation, and brings together: Andres Jaquearchitect, dean and professor at Columbia University GSAPP in New York; Anupama Kundooarchitect and professor at TU Berlin; Floris Alkemadearchitect and former chief architect of the Dutch government; as well as Mariam Issoufouarchitect and professor at ETH Zurich.
The competition is structured around three main categories:
The AAA pour l’Architecture rewards architects or collectives for architectural projects that have demonstrated a significant commitment to social development and ecological responsibility.
The AAA pour l’Engagement Social supports projects seeking to solve social problems through architecture. Innovative approaches and spaces that meet the needs of marginalized communities are welcomed.
The AAA for the Local Scale targets initiatives, often self-initiated, which have a direct impact on surrounding communities. Small-scale projects are highlighted, which demonstrate how architecture can improve everyday life in a tangible way.
— The winners—
Category: Social Architecture
1. Long House with an Engawa – Yamazaki Kentaro Design Workshop (Japon)
Inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, this senior care center promotes community interaction through a covered porch. The building includes a café, prayer space and public baths, integrating residents and neighbors in shared activities. This intergenerational approach improves the quality of life while preserving the dignity of seniors.
2. La Balma – Lacol (Spain)
This cooperative project in Barcelona includes 20 modular housing units. The bioclimatic design uses sustainable materials and solar panels to reduce energy consumption. With shared spaces such as a collective kitchen and workshops, La Balma promotes social cohesion and the involvement of residents in the management of their homes.
3. Other Neighborhoods Initiative – Mindelo, Cape Verde
This initiative revitalizes three neighborhoods in Mindelo by directly involving residents in the rehabilitation process. The project improved access to essential infrastructure while integrating local artistic and educational initiatives. By promoting the appropriation of public spaces, it strengthens the feeling of belonging and community.
4. One Green Mile – StudioPOD (Inde)
This project transforms a road in Mumbai into a vibrant pedestrian space. Under an urban viaduct, parks, play areas and reading rooms have been created to encourage community life. The initiative promotes soft mobility and accessibility while reconnecting city dwellers with their environment.
5. FLOW – POOL IS COOL + Decoratelier Jozef Wouters (Belgique)
FLOW, in Brussels, is the first public outdoor swimming pool in 40 years. This project uses recycled materials and involves young people in its construction. By providing space to swim and gather, FLOW strengthens social connections in a historically marginalized neighborhood.
6. Bronwen's Sanctuary – Studio Propolis LTD (UK)
Located in a primary school in Cardiff, this wooden pavilion is designed as a calming space to support children's wellbeing. Using local materials, the project creates a sensory and serene environment for mental health activities, promoting relaxation and introspection.
7. Living Above Garages – Falk Schneemann Architecture (Allemagne)
In Karlsruhe, this project adds housing above existing garages to densify the urban fabric without encroaching on new land. Lightweight prefabricated wood construction minimizes environmental impact while creating affordable housing units for young residents.
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Category: Social Engagement
8. Reference Center for Babassu Coconut Harvesters – Estudio Flume (Brazil)
This center supports 40 women harvesting babassu nuts in the Maranhão region. Using local materials such as earth, it improves working conditions and strengthens the local economy by promoting traditional know-how. The project offers a secure and environmentally friendly production space.
9. Architecture in the Periphery – IAMÍ Institute (Brésil)
In Belo Horizonte, this program trains women in participatory construction to improve their homes. By using bioconstruction techniques, the project strengthens the autonomy of residents and improves living conditions in informal neighborhoods, while influencing local social housing policies.
10. Forest of Memory – Puente Cultural Consulting (Colombie)
Located in San José del Fragua, this project creates a space of commemoration for the victims of the armed conflict in Colombia. Through memory trails and outdoor installations, it encourages community healing and raises awareness among new generations of the importance of collective remembrance.
11. Pivadenco Rural School – Duque Motta & AA + MAPAA (Chile)
In the Araucanía region, this school for the Mapuche community integrates local materials and bioclimatic techniques. Designed to be a learning and gathering center, it promotes intercultural education while strengthening social cohesion in an economically disadvantaged region.
12. Productive Community Center – Las Tejedoras – Natura Futura + Juan Carlos Bamba (Équateur)
This center in Chongón supports local artisans by providing them with training and production spaces. The project uses ecological materials to promote female entrepreneurship while revitalizing the local economy through the preservation of artisanal traditions.
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Category: Local Scale
13. Sustainable Alleys – Rama Estudio (Ecuador)
Revitalization of alleys in Quito with community gardens and green roofs to improve the quality of life of residents. Using permaculture techniques, the project promotes urban sustainability while beautifying the neighborhood.
14. Housing Cooperation de Warren – Natrufied Architecture (Netherlands)
The first self-managed cooperative project in Amsterdam, this building uses recycled wood to create affordable housing. By allocating 30% of the space to collective uses, it encourages solidarity and participatory management of residents.
15. Community Art Creative Project (CACP) – Team CACP (Chine)
Transforming neglected urban spaces in Chengdu into meeting places through modular installations and community workshops. This project stimulates local engagement and breathes new life into public spaces.
16. Jardin Maloka – Colectivo Aula Viva (Colombie)
Located in the Colombian Amazon, this project teaches students indigenous botanical practices. Using local materials, it integrates traditional knowledge into a modern framework, strengthening the connection between young people and their heritage.
17. Community Fog Catcher Prototype – Alsar-Atelier + Oscar Zamora (Colombie)
Innovative fog water collection system to support urban agriculture in a Bogotá neighborhood. By reducing reliance on municipal water sources, this project improves food security while building community resilience.
18. Warwick Junction Brook Street Child Care Facility – Asia e Tafuleni (South Africa)
This childcare center in Durban supports families of street vendors. Located in the heart of a lively market, it offers a secure and stimulating space for children while allowing parents to work peacefully.
19-23. Various projects in Argentina, Iran, India, Peru and Cubafocused on urban revitalization, the preservation of traditional know-how, sustainable agriculture and the strengthening of community cohesion.
To find out more: https://www.ammodo-architecture.org/awards
