“Concepts such as sustainability, community planning, innovative building techniques, and intelligent approaches to vocational training have been identified early for the Akilah Institute, and will continue to develop until its completion. The AfH-DC chapter is thrilled to be a part of the Akilah team, and will use our design expertise to help develop a vibrant, safe, and forward thinking learning environment. We look forward to working in collaboration with all the great partners involved with Akilah to help build a beautiful and progressive institution that will inspire students and its community to empower themselves through education.”
-Vrunda Vaghela and Shurid Rahman, Architecture for Humanity, DC Chapter
Four American architects from Architecture for Humanity (AfH) traveled to Rwanda in November of 2008 to conduct a site visit and assessment of the campus. AfH decided to take on the Akilah Institute as a pro-bono venture and is providing the professional design services. This assistance includes designs for renovation work on the existing buildings and blueprints for the construction of a new series of buildings on campus in 2011. As with the government’s provision of the site and the existing physical plant, AfH’s involvement pro bono means that funds that otherwise would have been required for architectural services can instead be used to provide still greater facilities to accommodate more students and classes and to enhance the quality and breadth of the Institute’s program.
The international prestige of AfH ensures the collaboration and assistance of some of the top architects in the world. AfH is committed to ensuring that the Akilah Institute is an example of green and sustainable design in Africa, attracting investment and publicity for both the new model of teaching and the architecture.
Current Design Work on the Akilah Campus
AfH Updates on the Akilah Blog