Pan African Parliament

This international competition in two stages was launched by the South African government for the design of the Pan-African Parliament, which was built in Randjesfontein in South Africa. 

This competition was supported by the International Union of Architects (UIA) in cooperation with the African Union of Architects (AUA) and the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA).

 

Competition results

First prize:

Earth Lab Architects from South Africa

Second prize:

 Yasser Ibrahim al-Beltagy from Egypt

Third prize:

Martin Kruger Associates and Piet Louw Architects from South Africa

Fourth prize:

Mashabane Rose Associates from South Africa

Fifth prize:

 MMA Architects from South Africa

Theme and objectives

The objective of this parliamentary complex is to symbolise African maturity and to represent the different cultures and ideals of Africa. It is a place dedicated to beauty and the potential for a spirit of African unity – a building built in Africa, for Africans and by Africans.

It needed to be a building of distinct presence, conveying an atmosphere of rationality, security and humanity. As the complex houses the leadership of the African continent, it had to be a place to challenge and uplift the spirits of parliamentarians and visitors alike. 

 

Key criteria

  • The complex needed to be a container of human activity and provide a pleasant humane environment through its physical properties, architectural character and expression.
  • The complex had to be energy efficient, ensuring that aspects such as the natural environment, connections between the building and surrounding spaces, and the environmental regulation of each space were considered. The building needed to be designed to perform well in the given climate, and building materials had to weather gracefully.
  • It was necessary from the outset in the design of the parliament building to consider the impact on the environment and to produce a design which would minimise the adverse effects of its construction, use and wear on the environment. 

Jury Members

  • Olufemi Majekodunmi, Architect, AUA Representative, President of the Jury, Nigeria;
  • Ora Joubert, Architect, SAIA Representative, South Africa;
  • Ramatoulaye Diagne, Architect, AUA Representative, Senegal;
  • Vassilis Sgoutas, Architect, UIA Representative, Greece;
  • Yasser Mansour, Architect, Egypt;
  • Dlamini Zuma, Minister of External Affairs, South Africa;
  • Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde, South African Parliament Representative, South Africa;
  • Murumba Werunga, PAP Representative, Kenya;
  • Robert van Anraad, Architect, South African Department of Public Works Representative,

Eligibility

This competition was open to all architects working and living on the African continent. 

 

Results

 Competition closed. Results announced on October 2007

COMPETITION RESULTS

Past
Open
past
Professional