Poudyal, of BD+C from Houston, partnered with Kathmandu architect Lamichhane to create the design that was selected out of proposals from more than 20 countries.
The local jury members praised the winning design for its careful sensitivity to local culture, uniqueness and inclusive approach to design. The winning design, due to begin construction later on in 2021, will continue the outreach work of Kanallan, supporting the improvement of women’s rights and hopes to provide a safe, secure and inviting new environment for empowering Nepalese women and girls.
The new centre will improve access to healthcare, education and recreation for young women and strengthen an existing outreach and mentor programme being provided by Kanallan and the local charity Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal.
These services will support gender equality in the region as well as offering workshops, classes and critically a safe haven for individuals or families in abusive situations. The winning design was selected for being welcoming, open and inclusive but also providing a strong, safe, solid looking building which can withstand the local climate and extreme weather conditions.
The successful proposal showed a real understanding of the importance in creating spaces informed by the local culture. Some elements went beyond the original design brief, for example the water well at the front which creates an informal meeting place, and a wall to show inspirational stories of local women provides an engaging positive area.
A wide range of submissions made use of sustainable materials and highlighted the need for passive cooling, ventilation and natural lighting. The shortlisted designs showed a creative range of well thought out ideas; the honourable mentions included teams from Russia, China, France and Spain.
Building Trust international will be working closely with Kanallan and local partners to help deliver the winning design during 2021. Once realised, this government approved proposal will deliver much needed services and has the chance to be a pilot for more centres of its kind, helping establish a more equitable community at a local and national level.
Honourable project mentions
Valentin Kogan, Daria Bril, Evgenia Ermoshko, Ilia Ermolayev
Victoria Mourelle, Lucie Dubert, Ana Jayone, Yarza Perez, Marion Chapey, Laure Lepigeon
The Architecture Story, Women’s Empowerment Centre building trust Women’s
Empowerment Centre building trust
CAW Architects based in Palo Alto, California, USA and M.L.Kayastha and Associates based in Kathmandu, Nepal
Studio C+C & Studio 4215
Form4 Architecture, John Marx and Saba Raji
Xinghong Wang
RTA Studio
Sonja Walzik, Hanna Bederke, Clara Kühn