05.01.26 - Aziza Chaouni receives Ammodo's Social Architecture Award
Project photos courtesy of Aziza Chaouni
Aziza Chaouni, an associate professor of architecture in the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, has received a prestigious Architecture Engagement Award from the Dutch foundation Ammodo.
Ammodo supports socially and ecologically responsible architecture worldwide through grants that advance projects and promote knowledge exchange in ethical and sustainable practice.
Located in Talat N’Yaaqoub, Morocco, the 'Prototype Anti-Seismic House' was recognized in the Social Engagement award category for its "humble yet powerful architectural response to crisis, addressing the urgent housing challenges of a seismic region." After a 6.7 magnitude earthquake destroyed thousands of traditional homes, rebuilding focuses on safety, sustainability and respect for local identity, and is built on community participation and education.
The project was supported by Daniels undergraduate research assistants, Shirin Al Asmi, Aya Bakaraki, Shirin Al Asmi, Michaela Tsvetkova, Yasaman Pazoki Toroudi and Isha Sharma.
Using a revised version of their compressed earth bricks (CEBs), €50,000 of the award grant will help fund a classroom for Amal Biladi, an NGO in the same region.
In total 26 awardees were selected by a of jury leading figures in global architecture, including Anupama Kundoo, Floris Alkemade, Mariam Issoufou and Loreta Castro Reguera.