2009 International Stone Architecture Award--School Complex, Philim, Nepal

Project: School Complex, Philim, Nepal (2007)
 

Architect: Asian Architecture Friendship (an Osaka, Japan-based group of volunteers, mainly composed of architects from the construction firm Takenaka Corp.)
 

Primary stone material: Local stone and slate

 

  Jury comments
 

“This school, built far away from urban settlements, found its ‘obvious’ design structure thanks to the construction methods, materials and forms that have traditionally been used in these areas of high elevation. Simplicity is obligatory and imperative. It influences and dominates everything.”

“Construction was entrusted to the local community.”

“The architectural manifestation of their vision is the organization of interior and exterior spaces and the successful placement of the building within its natural surroundings. The curving forms of the residential areas and the other spaces are dominant. Among them, a platform opens to create the circular cafeteria area.”

“This building complex is made explicit and visible thanks to the use of only a few forms. The simple character of the building — based on the use of local stone — unifies the project as a whole, and convincingly, generates an equally natural compactness."