Winner: Sustainable project of the year and sustainable building of the year 2024. MASS Design Group has developed the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) in Gashora, Rwanda.

The campus applies the principles of One Health, emphasising the interconnectedness of ecological, animal, and human health throughout its design philosophy.

"RICA is anticipated to be the first climate-positive university in the world," said MASS Design Group.

The campus plan prioritises conservation and restoration of the area’s ecological balance.

The building design incorporates biogenic materials and leverages the construction process for training and job creation in sustainable practices.

The campus infrastructure operates off-grid, powered by an on-site solar array.

The campus's embodied carbon will be offset within the first 15 years of operation through on-site carbon sequestration.

Judges comments: "The judges were in awe of this project and its holistic approach to sustainability. The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture respectfully sits within its landscape, using local bio-based materials while regenerating biodiversity and benefitting the local community through training and job creation. "

"The Centre for World Citizens exemplifies the true role of architecture: to improve lives and uplift communities. Using simple, inexpensive materials, the project creates a monumental yet accessible design that has had a transformative effect on the city and the people who live there. This is a masterful, creative solution that deserves to be celebrated, delivering maximum impact with minimal resources."

Studio: MASS Design Group
Project: Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)