4th International Holcim Awards aims at more sustainable-built environment
View(s):The Holcim Awards, said to be one of the most significant competitions in its field in terms of reputation and international scope, has opened entries for its annual awards.
The fourth cycle of the competition offering a total of US$2 million in prize money is currently open for entries.The competition seeks leading projects from industry professionals and bold ideas from the “Next Generation” that contribute to sustainability within architecture, building, civil engineering, landscape and urban design, as well as construction materials and technologies. Entries must be submitted online at www.holcimawards.org by March 24, 2014, according to a company statement.
The Holcim Awards (main category) is open to architects, planners, engineers, project owners, builders and construction firms that showcase sustainable responses to technological, environmental, socioeconomic and cultural issues with contemporary building and construction. Projects must have reached an advanced stage of design, have a high probability of execution and may not have started construction before July 1, 2013.
The competition also seeks visionary projects and bold ideas for the “Next Generation” (young professionals and students category). Organized by the Swiss-based Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction the competition is conducted in parallel in five regions of the world in 2013/14 followed by a global phase in 2015. Regional winners will be announced at Holcim Awards ceremonies in late 2014 in Moscow (for region Europe), Toronto (North America), Medellín (Latin America), Beirut (Africa Middle East) and Jakarta (Asia Pacific).
Commenting on the competition, Mr. Philippe Richart, CEO, Holcim Lanka said, “This is a great opportunity for Sri Lankan architects to showcase their creativity on a global platform. Each year Holcim Global receives thousands of applications from many talented youngsters, around the world. The competition seeks projects that demonstrate an ability to stretch conventional notions about sustainable building and also balance environmental, social and economic performance – while also exemplifying architectural excellence and a high degree of transferability. I strongly believe that there are many artistic Sri Lankan’s out there who would be capable of winning this competition. I invite everyone to submit their applications at the earliest possible.”
Independent jury panels of experts evaluate all entries and they are headed by Jean-Philippe Vassal (for region Europe), Toshiko Mori (North America), Bruno Stagno (Latin America), Howayda Al-Harithy (Africa Middle East) andRahul Mehrotra (Asia Pacific).
There have been more than 150 prize winning projects in the past 10 years. Previous Holcim awards’ prize winners in more than 40 countries range from the provision of basic needs in developing communities through to complex technical solutions.
| Fourth Holcim village in Galle
Holcim Lanka is launching its fourth Holcim Village in Akmeemana, Galle with the foundation stone being laid recently.  Picture shows Philippe Richart, Holcim Lanka CEO; Gunarathne Weerakoon, Minister for Resettlement and Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, MP, Galle District presenting recipients their home ownership deeds. Through these villages, Holcim Lanka says it demonstrates the company‘s commitment towards its sustainable strategic development following its vision of focusing on triple bottom line of economic return, social responsibility and environmental protection. The three previous village projects were in Medirigiriya, Eluwankulama and Puttalam. The project concept targets the fulfillment of community well-being by providing housing for low income and underprivileged families. The Rs. 12 million project will house 13 homeless families upon completion in fully fledged housing units with electricity, water and access roads. One of the recipients, Dilaw Manjula was quoted in the media statement as saying that,“Today is the luckiest day of my life. Everyone else who is selected to be this lucky also live like me with no proper shelter. This is like a dream, come true. It is truly a dream and I am very thankful to Holcim and everyone who is helping for providing shelter for my family and me”. |