The Architectural Association and Foster + Partners announced the award of the Foster + Partners Prize, which is presented annually to the AA Diploma student whose portfolio best addresses the themes of sustainability and infrastructure. The recipient is selected jointly by the AA and Foster + Partners at the end of each academic year.
This year's prize has been awarded to Aditya Aachi, of Diploma Unit 7, for his project Haiti Simbi Hubs. The project proposes sanitation infrastructure for Haiti and draws on the unprecedented need for cooperation between the Haitian Government and NGOs to combat cholera outbreaks.
A network of hygiene points known as "Simbi Hubs" is planned, providing localised sanitation processes. Each Simbi Hub includes areas for lavatories, bathing, and laundry, as well as facilities for food storage and preparation. Water and sewage are treated on site and the hubs address issues relating to storm drainage and earthquake safety. All the elements required to build the new infrastructure are designed to be made locally, using established craft skills.
Aditya Aachi, and the other six shortlisted candidates, will be invited to exhibit their work in the gallery in Foster + Partners' studio in October, when there will be a formal reception and a cheque will be presented.
The themes of sustainability and infrastructure that underpin the award were selected to highlight themes of common interest to the AA and Foster + Partners and for their significance in contemporary architectural discourse more globally.
"This is the second year we have awarded this prize and in Aditya Aachi's project we see it going from strength to strength," said Mouzhan Majidi, Chief Executive of Foster + Partners. "We hope very much that the debate this prize generates will encourage students to address themes that are of increasing relevance to architecture today."