Nine out of hundreds of BK 2023/24 graduate projects were pre-selected for the Archiprix.
Charlotte, a student from the Circular Water Stories lab – mentored by Dr Inge Bobbink and Prof Anne Loes Nillesen – is one of them!
Currently, with selected work from other schools in the Netherlands, the projects are displayed in the Orange Hall at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment exhibition, which will last until the 20th of March! On Saturday, the 7th of June, the winner of the Archiprix 2024 will be announced – https://www.archiprix.nl/national/. Come and see the work!
Living with drought-prone Landscapes
Multi-scalar approach and spatial design interventions for ecosystem resilience, landscape productivity and local governance in Ryabega, Eastern Rwanda.
The first phase of this thesis focuses on learning from ancient, traditional water management techniques within an arid climate zone to prepare the project site in Rwanda for the climate challenges ahead. This initiative adopts a multi-scalar approach, exploring drought-resilient innovations to restore a nearly forgotten landscape that a vulnerable rural community in Rwanda relies on. By integrating resilient landscape strategies, nature-based solutions, and bioclimatic architecture, the new water management system, featuring retention basins and reservoirs, supports diverse vegetation, provides irrigation for the fields during the short and long dry seasons, and cools social spaces throughout the town. The town’s main street is transformed into a shared, hybrid public space with small, revitalised woodlands and green verges. All interventions are thoughtfully aligned with local practices and materials, ensuring the community is actively involved in creating a more resilient landscape and livelihood.
