Kéré Architecture has unveiled its proposal for the 40,000-square-meter Biblioteca dos Saberes (House of Wisdom) in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade Nova neighborhood. Designed by Francis Kéré, Mariona Maeso Deitg, and Juan Carlos Zapata, the cultural complex is commissioned by the Rio de Janeiro City Hall and planned for a site near Valongo Wharf and the Little Africa area. The design was presented to members of the community on November 20, the National Day of Zumbi and Black Consciousness in Brazil.
Text description provided by the architects. Located in Qingshan Village, Yuhang District of Hangzhou, Qingshan School occupies the site of an abandoned primary school. The original buildings, severely deteriorated and spatially outdated, could not be reused and were therefore demolished. Respecting the site's footprint and scale, MOMENTUM Architects undertook a complete reconstruction to reestablish a school for the community. The aim was to create a student-centered environment that reconnects learning with rural life, while preserving the cultural memory embedded in the land.
The independent Master Jury of the 16th Award Cycle (2023-2025) of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture has announced seven winners, selected following on-site reviews of projects shortlisted earlier in June. Collectively, the awarded works demonstrate architecture's potential to act as a catalyst for pluralism, community resilience, social transformation, cultural dialogue, and climate-responsive design. Two projects from Iran, and one each from Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Pakistan, and Palestine, will share a prize of $1 million, among the most significant awards in the field of architecture.
The introduction of a lift into the 19th century Montijo Municipal Gallery was pivotal, transforming accessibility and leading to the creation of an integrated 80 m² garden, enhancing public engagement.