Pittsburgh Architect Wins International Design Competition

Swee Hong Ng, 29, an emerging architect with EDGE studio, in Pittsburgh, was recently announced as the winner of the Siyathemba design competition for his design of a sports and HIV/AIDS outreach center in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa--an area with one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world. Siyathemba Consultants, the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, East Coast Architects and Architecture for Humanity launched the competition last year to challenge the world's designers to create a center for the youth of Somkhele, South Africa. On World Aids Day last December, nine finalists and sixteen honorable mentions were announced. The finalists' designs were displayed in Somkhele schools and health centers, and members of the community--including students, athletes, nurses and teachers--then selected Ng's scheme as the winner. Ng, who is currently completing his licensing, says, ?EUR??,,????'??The design utilizes the natural asset of earth to create terraces that emulate the gentle flow of the area's landscape. The pair of V-shaped terraces create a focal point similar to an outdoor amphitheatre, where performances, talks and other events may be hosted.?EUR??,,????'?? The terraces are constructed from earth and adobe brick and paved with concrete for seats. Ng will soon travel to South Africa to collaborate with community members on a refined design scheme. He will work alongside Steve Kinsler, of East Coast Architects, who will act as site architect on the project. Construction is slated to begin later this year. For more information, visit www.architectureforhumanity.org.

--Source: Canadian Architect