UIA 2030 Awards (2023-2024)
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The UIA 2030 Award, a partnership with UN Habitat, promotes the work of architects that contributes to the delivery of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The first cycle of a biennial awards programme to run through 2030, the award invited architects around the world to submit entries for built projects which demonstrate design quality and have made significant contributions towards achievement of some of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Submissions were received from 100 projects in 33 countries. More information about how the award was conducted is available here.
The award was conducted in two stages and 50 Regional Finalists were selected to go through to Stage 2, at which point entrants were invited to submit a short video illustrating their building in use together with further information in support of their entries. Below are winning entries.
Category 1
Good health and well-being: Recognising projects which can demonstrate having significantly contributed to the promotion of healthy lives and well-being, such as a reduction in communicable diseases, consistent with the principles underpinning Target 3.3 of SDG 3.
Joint Winner: Angels’ Care Early Childhood Development Centre, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa by Fgg Architects – Nerø Holt.
This project is recognised for its impact on the health and well-being of indigent children living among the informal settlements of the greater Howick area. The design creates a meaningful link between the context of the children’s homes and the centre through the use of familiar materials in the design, colour and scale. The design- led solution prioritises the children and their carers, addressing health and wellbeing, while creating spaces to enable, inspire, and build capacity for social equity and inclusion, and exemplifies the highest standards of community service and design excellence.
Joint Winner: Wanjian Village Children’s Library, Southern Anhui Province, China by Onearthstudio
This project perfectly captures the spirit of this award programme, by demonstrating the positive impact a building can have on both its context and users. Through a holistic approach to materiality, re-use, local skills and thoughtful collaborative partnerships, the project starts taking on a larger importance within the community and provides the safe space needed by the left behind children while making a meaningful social impact. The architectural environments created both inside and out, are generous in spirit and delightful to experience.
Category 2
Adequate, safe and affordable housing: This category recognises a project which has significantly contributed to the provision of accessible, adequate, safe and affordable housing, urban regeneration and/or slum upgrading consistent with the principles underpinning Target 11.1 of SDG11.
Joint Winner: Nightingale Village, Brunswick, Victoria, Australia by ℅ Nightingale Housing
Jury citation: For decades, many middle-class Melbournians have left the suburbs, seeking the amenities and sociability of living in terrace houses in the inner city. Apartment living has also grown in popularity with this demographic, and the Nightingale project exemplifies this shift, offering increased density, improved affordability, and community participation while addressing climate change. This not-for-profit initiative focuses on ecological, social, and financial sustainability, is close to public transport and successfully overturned long standing parking requirements. Residents share amenities like laundry and rooftop gardens, which save space and support sustainability goals. Units are sold at cost through a ballot, excluding estate agents and speculators, with 20% reserved for Community Housing to ensure social equity.
Joint Winner: ETC Bygg, Vasteras, Sweden by Kaminsky Arkitektur Ab – Arkitekt Hans Eek Ab
Jury citation: Kaminsky Architects’ project exemplifies a commitment to redefining housing with a focus on climate positivity. This not-for-profit initiative uses sustainable design and construction methods, including materials delivered by train and no plastic use. Future residents, who crowdfunded the project, will live in small, all-wood buildings powered entirely by solar panels. The design fosters community life with shared spaces for growing food and pooling electric bikes and cars. The project meets Target 11.1 for adequate, safe, and affordable housing, achieving a 20% cost saving.
Joint Winner: Huebergass Berne, Berne, Switzerland by Gwj Architektur Ag
Jury citation: This captivating project creates a sense of home and sociability with over 100 apartments centred around a landscaped pedestrian spine. Designed for residents of all ages, these spaces foster community culture and diverse activities. The collaboration between ORT AG für LA, residents, and a sociologist has resulted in amenities such as a café, library, guest rooms, and a shop. Community gardens offer residents the opportunity to participate in food production. As a cooperative, the project promotes social, ecological, and economic sustainability, achieving social mix and affordability. Native plants enhance biodiversity, while construction approaches ensure energy efficiency.
Category 3
Access to safe, accessible, and sustainable public transport: This category recognised a project which, by virtue of siting, design, density etc, has significantly contributed to the provision of safe, accessible, and sustainable public transport (such as Transport Oriented Development and/or neighbourhood planning), consistent with the principles underpinning Target 11.2.1 of SDG11
Jurors chose not to award a winner in this category and elected instead to highly commend: Bus Terminal and Urban Park in São Luis, Maranhão, Sao Luis, Maranhao, Brazil by, Natureza Urbana
Category 4
Access to green and public space: This category recognises a project which has significantly contributed to the provision of access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public space for all, consistent with the principles underpinning Target 11.7 of SDG11.
Joint Winner: The rehabilitation of public spaces in the historic centre of Qalandiya, East Jerusalem, West Bank, Palestinian Authority by Riwaq- Centre for Architectural Conservation
Jury citation: A well-handled project bringing back a piece of history while providing a set of internal and external meeting places. The project builds beautifully on the history that is already there with materials, plants, the people and their knowledge, the building construction and history of the place. An extraordinary project by Riwaq that reclaims a Palestinian cultural past, brings it into the present and looks to the future, at the same time educating people about materials and providing training and job opportunities for many Palestinians. The landscape, the plantings and built space for gathering together are well integrated with this sure-footed heritage project.
Joint Winner: Benjakitti Forest Park, Bangkok, Thailand by Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect Co Ltd + Turenscape
Jury citation: Benjakitti Forest Park has transformed a former industrial site into a vibrant, biodiverse botanical classroom and nature retreat in the heart of Bangkok. Inspired by Thai agricultural wisdom, the park offers a harmonious blend of active and passive spaces, featuring diverse plants, colours, and movement. This project promotes sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and addresses urban challenges such as floods and droughts. It also raises public awareness of ecological issues and celebrates Bangkok’s original landscapes. Socially inclusive and universally accessible, the park provides an important and welcoming amenity for all user groups and generations.
Category 5
Adaptation to climate change and resilience to disasters: This category recognises a project which can demonstrate having significantly contributed to adaption to climate change and/or resilience to disasters, consistent with the principles underpinning Target 11b of SDG11.
Joint Winner: Badshahpur Forest Corridor, Gurugram, Haryana, India by Beyond Built Pvt. Ltd
Jury citation: This project restores a degraded city backwater, using simple, cost-effective, low-maintenance design strategies to enhance human and biodiversity health. Water-sensitive design captures and recharges rainwater, promoting landscape resilience while the reintroduction of native plant species has increased biodiversity and improved soil quality. The project also emphasises the reuse of construction waste, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices. By fully utilising local resources, the project balances ecological harmony and social sustainability, while providing a vital public space for the community.
Joint Winner: La Torura River Flood Park, Landscape adaptations for climate change, Entrerrios, Antioquia, Colombia by Entropía, Arquitectura Adaptativa
Jury citation: The La Torura river flood park project in Entrerríos addresses the threat to local water resources from economic pressures and climate change. By integrating a productive and cultural landscape with hydrological management, the park mitigates flood risks and promotes sustainable development. The project serves dual purposes: recreational use during dry seasons and water storage during rainy seasons, enhancing flood resilience. It reintroduces native species, restores deforested areas, and employs local resources and labour, ensuring sustainability through community participation and education. La Torura is a model for landscape management and climate adaptation, contributing to multiple SDGs and offering a replicable approach for other rural communities.
Category 6
Life on Land, Promotion, restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems: This category will recognise a project which, either through its siting, design or construction, significantly contributes to the promotion, restoration and/or sustainable use of ecosystems consistent with the principles underpinning SDG15.
Joint Winner: Chapel Restoration, Camino de Santiago, Various locations, Zaragoza, Spain by Sebastián Arquitectos SLP
Jury citation: This sequence of modest interventions is recognised for its sensitive design approach and for the quality of execution. The innovative programme has helped to preserve the integrity and heritage of the area and its region, aligning with the Government’s goal to enhance a historic pilgrimage route. The project has set a benchmark for demonstrating the way in which heritage assets can be used to promote sustainable tourism while combating depopulation and abandonment, utilising local resources and techniques, and inspiring nearby villages to safeguard their own heritage.
Joint Winner: The Main Pavilion of the 11th Jiangsu Horticultural EXPO, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China by China Architecture Design & Research Group
Jury citation: This project is recognised for its ambitious and innovative approach to the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage while simultaneously repairing and restoring the adjacent landscape which had been scarred by past activity. The new interventions have been introduced in an imaginative, contemporary yet sympathetic manner and the new programme has been seamlessly accommodated by adapting old spaces for new functions while preserving the integrity of the existing fabric.
Category 1
Highly Commended:
Access to adequate safe and affordable healthcare has reached a crisis point in many regions of the world. This hospital provides state of the art care to its patients for free, while maintaining the highest of standards for the facility of this nature. The use of local materials, building techniques and local skills sets it aside, making it a noteworthy project. The rammed earth walls are an integral part of the design and has been thoughtfully integrated into the hospital. The use of colour and clear wayfinding has brought a high level of user satisfaction.
Huvila, Turku Archipelago, Finland by Jenni Reuter Architects
A beautiful, well-designed and thoughtful piece of architecture, for a client with a range of acute sensitivities, that demonstrates the importance of good design for health and well-being. The great care and thought given to the materiality of the house, together with experimentation and testing process of different materials, has led to a delightful palette of materials, each especially chosen to provide comfort to the user. The scale, use of light and spatial quality of this project is sublime.
Yutjuwala Djiwarr Aged Care, Nhulunbuy, Northern Territories, Australia by Kaunitz Yeung Architecture
The co-design and participatory process undertaken by the architects on this project has led a surprising design outcome. The user satisfaction in the project is evident, with the meaningful use of indoor and outdoor spaces being provided for and well used. The commitment shown by the architects to the process, as well as the architectural design, is commendable. This project not only succeeds in providing a facility for the elderly, but also starts to create the narrative and space for Aboriginal lives to be improved through good design.
The Regional Centre for Autism Care, CRIAA, Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico by Urbánika
This is a well-conceived design solution for a marginalised sector of society. The project sits comfortably within a constrained site and provides a sense of calm and comfort using accessible courtyards with existing mature trees, natural light and ventilation. The scale of the building is appropriate for its use. The clarity of the space and programme is apparent from the interviews with users. For children with sensory dysfunction this project appears to have provided an excellent response, through the creation of a low arousal environment. It’s simple plan, copious natural light and quiet and transition spaces make for a serene and calming environment.
Category 2
Highly Commended:
Betances Residence, Bronx, New York City, United States by Cookfox Architects
In the Bronx, New York, COOKFOX and Breaking Ground have created an innovative housing project for at-risk seniors. The Betances Residence includes 152 units, community spaces, and amenities, with onsite programming by the Centre for Urban Community Services. This project addresses homelessness and disadvantage through a cross-sectoral approach. It features carefully chosen materials, green spaces, public areas like a library, and well-designed rooms, prioritizing residents’ health and well-being. The project achieves the objectives of SDG 11.1 for adequate, safe, and affordable housing, and its success is highlighted by testimonials from residents and collaborators
Backpack Housing, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China by Superposition
The housing crisis has worsened globally, with demand outstripping supply. Post-pandemic, many city buildings remain vacant, awaiting redevelopment. Backpack Housing addresses Hong Kong’s housing shortage innovatively by inserting mini dwellings made from kits into these vacant buildings. This project offers much-needed accommodation and uses digital mapping to identify opportunities for such interventions. It highlights the intersection of housing poverty, property development, and speculation, suggesting this approach could be valuable in other contexts.
Category 3
Highly Commended:
Bus Terminal and Urban Park in São Luis, Maranhão, Sao Luis, Maranhao, Brazil by Natureza Urbana
The project attempts to address the barriers created by a main arterial road, which has rendered the nearby riverbank inaccessible. By restructuring the system of movement and reconfiguring uses, the project prioritises spaces for people. It resizes the road system to accommodate a variety of transport modes safely and comfortably, enhancing sidewalks, crossings, and public lighting. The addition of a bicycle path, exclusive bus lane, and improved lighting promotes public and non-motorised transport while fostering better physical and visual connections between public
spaces and adjacent uses.
Category 4
Highly Commended:
The New Levee in the Wuyue archaeological park, Hangzhou, China by Office Off Course
This project has successfully transformed two archaeological construction ruins into accessible landscape assets and knowledge resources for the community. By constructing a new levee that connects both sides of the ruins, the historical landscape has been revitalized in a modern context. The levee serves not only the archaeological park but also integrates into the Lin’an City Library System, providing a space for relaxation, reading, and cultural activities. Additionally, the project has enhanced local biodiversity by preserving the urban wetland reservoir. This exceptional initiative has restored an important site, making it a valuable resource for the local community.
Modelo Abierto, Montevideo, Uruguay by Intendencia De Montevideo, Departamento De Desarrollo Urbano
The decision not to demolish this building but to transform it into a building for the community is a fantastic idea and the project is beautiful and simply done. The transformation of the old market into a modern, multifunctional space shows how existing infrastructure can be repurposed to meet contemporary needs without losing its historical and cultural significance. The finished building provides a great new amenity for the community through the adaptive reuse of an old derelict structure. The engagement with inside and revitalised outdoor space also works well.
Category 5
Highly Commended:
Maona Village, Wuzhishan City, Hainan Province, China by Sup Atelier Of THAD
This project uses flexible, lightweight bamboo structures for emergency disaster relief, creating adaptable public spaces that can quickly convert into shelters. Emphasising natural lighting and ventilation, it reduces energy consumption and promotes healthy environments. Villager participation and training in traditional bamboo techniques ensure sustainability and local engagement. The project blends traditional materials with modern design, creating multifunctional, low-carbon spaces that meet the rapid development needs of rural areas using local, bio-based materials.
Rupgaon, a Knowledge Exchange Center, Narayanganj, Bangladesh by Perceive
The Rupgaon project trains people in sustainable building materials like adobe blocks and rammed earth as an alternative to brick, the firing of which contributes 20% of harmful black carbon emissions. Such an approach not only reduces emissions and cuts construction costs by up to 70% but also creates disaster-resilient, eco-friendly homes. Replicating this model can provide affordable, comfortable, and sustainable housing for those affected by floods and cyclones.
Tranquil Abode: A Disaster Resilient Dwelling, Baluchistan, Punjab and Sindh provinces, Pakistan by Wm Creative Studio, Relab
Tranquil Abode, designed by WM Creative Studio in collaboration with the University of Karachi, exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainable development, blending economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and social equity. The product of a participatory process, Tranquil Adobe is recognised for making a valuable contribution to meeting the needs of the rural poor affected by the catastrophic flooding which occurred in 2022 while offering valuable lessons for those affected by similar flooding in future.
Category 6
Highly Commended:
Concept Water Resource Recovery Facility, Jiangsu Province, China by Sup Atelier of THAD (otherwise known as the Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tsinghua University)
The Water Resource Recovery Facility is recognised for its innovative approach to sustainable infrastructure and for the way in which it challenges the existing typology of such buildings. The compact footprint of the site, together with the adoption of passive design strategies, complement its core purpose as a centre for water recycling, and this is further reinforced by use of the facility for research and educating the public about the principals of circularity.