2024 CAA Awards programme

The winner of the 2024 CAA Lifetime Achievement Award (also known as the ‘Robert Mathew Award’) is Dr Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan.

The judges citation reads:

“The CAA is honoured to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Yasmeen Lari, a pioneering architect and humanitarian whose extraordinary contributions have redefined the role of architecture in society. As Pakistan’s first female architect, Lari has championed sustainable and resilient design, utilising local materials and traditional techniques to create affordable, eco-friendly housing for marginalised communities. Her innovative work in disaster relief and heritage conservation has not only transformed landscapes, but also empowered countless lives. Yasmeen Lari’s visionary approach and unwavering commitment to social justice exemplify the profound impact of architecture beyond aesthetics, making her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

The winner of the 2024 CAA Environmental Impact Award is the ‘Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)’ by Mass Design Group, Rwanda.

The judges citation reads:

“This project is celebrated for its holistic approach, seamlessly integrating architecture with circular economy principles and demonstrating exceptional sensitivity to the local context. The judges praised its innovative use of local materials and traditional building methods, ensuring long-term sustainability and ease of maintenance. By thoughtfully responding to the existing landscape, the design creates a harmonious relationship with the environment, setting a new standard for architectural excellence. The project goes beyond mere construction, encompassing ecological considerations, community engagement, and education, thereby fostering a deep connection with the local culture and ecology. It stands as an exemplary model of sustainable development, demonstrating the profound impact that thoughtful, context-aware architecture can have on communities and the environment.”

The winner of the 2024 CAA Social Impact Award is, ‘Calling Academy, Stellenbosch’ by Salt Architects, South Africa.

The judges citation reads:

“This project is praised for its elegantly simple design, which harmonizes beautifully with the local context and materiality. The innovative use of screen walls and thoughtful spatial arrangement enhances its function as a school, fostering social interaction and multipurpose spaces. The judges were particularly impressed with the project’s ability to revitalise an existing building, integrating local materials in a way that is both gracious and effective. The incorporation of clerestory lighting and elegant detailing further elevates the learning environment, making it a remarkable example of how simplicity and thoughtful design can create profound social impacts.”

The overall winner of the 2024 CAA President’s Award is ‘Transfiguring Social Architecture Through Computational Carpentry: A Resilient Prototype for Sustainable Community Development In Kutubdia’ by Esrat Jahan from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)

The judges citation reads:

“The coastal architecture project in Bangladesh is a groundbreaking and creative endeavour that addresses the unique challenges of a disaster-prone region with a holistic and sustainable approach. Its innovative integration of a regenerative green belt for ecological defence, improved connectivity for disaster management, and the use of prefabricated Glulam for durable, near-zero carbon footprint construction sets it apart. The creativity of this submission lies in its thoughtful combination of modern computational design processes with traditional boat-making crafts, resulting in structures that are not only resilient but also culturally significant. The topic is of immense importance as it directly tackles the pressing issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social vulnerability in one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions. The project’s comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects, from environmental sustainability to community involvement, are meticulously addressed.”

The 2024 Joint Winner of the CAA Student Award is ‘A Million Buds, Empowerment & Facilitation Centre Combating Child Labour’ by Sanggavi Thomas from the City School of Architecture, Sri Lanka

The judges citation reads:

“A compelling submission, full of joy, optimism and proficiency across many scales and skills, including videos confidently using pop-culture methods of engaging. The issue of child labour is sincerely framed, identifying a significant problem and ambitious architectural intent. The solution proposes a total ecology of care and social well-being. Handled with gentleness and finesse, the project transforms a redeemed quarry, letting a garden landscape – and ideally the occupants – bloom against the built backdrop. “

The 2024 Joint Winner of the CAA Student Award is ‘Path Of Memory Museum’ by Julia Chamberlain from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

The judges citation reads:

“A highly sophisticated and architecturally proficient scheme, resolved to a remarkable level of construction, communication and design intent. Though this is a less obvious ’disaster’ based problem, it is highly relevant to ecological and cultural preservation issues. This gently powerful and poetic design achieves the aims and objectives of the brief, setting out not only attuned specific environmental and cultural redemption, but a model for similar issues internationally.”

Use the following link to access our Award Force Gallery in which you can see all the winning entries in the 2024 CAA Awards programme.