This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
Four students from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) have emerged victorious in the 2019 AAK Student Design Competition, held under the theme 'Building blocks and the Built Environment.'
The winning team, Design Breathers, consisted of Jolynn Nyakio Karinga and Muthuri Mwikali Tressie, both pursuing architecture; Bakhita Carren Diana, civil engineering; and Frank Maina Mwangi, quantity surveying. They were awarded Sh75,000 for their innovative design.
Speaking at the award gala dinner, Jolynn Nyakio Karinga said, 'This competition aroused memories of a childhood dream where I felt that I wanted to have a home with economic and environmental sustainability just like the competition brief directed.'
The competition, which was open to teams comprising students of various built environment professions, aimed to promote sustainable design and innovation. The winning team's concept, based on container housing, was chosen from among several entries from across the 53 Commonwealth countries.
The runners-up, Creative Protocol, Team Alpha, and Team XL, received Sh50,000, Sh25,000, and special recognition, respectively. The four teams also won the opportunity to attend the 2019 AAK Convention, held at Sarova Whitesands Resort, Mombasa from August 14-16.
