The Sustainable Design Award

Sustainable DevelopmentAwards & EventsDesign & Architecture

Jul 29

Building a sustainable future

The SAIA Sustainable Design Award has grown into South Africa’s most prestigious sustainability award, drawing an exciting range of entries since it was founded in 2009.

The brief

Over the past decade, Breinstorm Brand Architects has established and administered the SAIA Sustainable Design Award (formerly known as the AfriSam-SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture + Innovation), bringing to life the purpose of celebrating projects and ideas that improve our world by advancing sustainable design and innovation. The programme recognises contributions to sustainable architecture, sustainable research, innovation and technology, and social movements.

Our work includes various elements, from the conceptualisation and management of the actual awards event to the design and production of all supporting communication.

In 2019, AfriSam briefed us to conceptualise and manage the inaugural AfriSam Student Design Challenge, a programme aimed at students and candidate architects across South Africa, to build on the legacy of the professional award and inspire the next generation of designers.

The transformation

Telling sustainable stories

Since 2009, we have produced over 40 short documentaries about these inspiring and innovative sustainable projects.

Breaking down silos

We have consistently pushed the envelope on adjudicating different projects against the same set of sustainable criteria for a decade.

Investing in the next generation

To inspire the next generation of sustainable thinkers, we broadened our communication goals for the 2013/2014 award cycle by hosting an exhibition and schools learning plan at the Joburg Library.

Adjudication criteria that emphasises sustainability

Harmonisation

The design and related processes should harmonise the use of resources with the conservation and strengthening of ecosystems (natural, social, human, infrastructure). Does the design maximise socio-economic benefits during the lifecycle of the project whilst acknowledging financial viability during and after the implementation process. Lastly, the design must demonstrate durability in the long term without having any negative impact.

People upliftment

The design and related processes should address the dignity of people through the creation of a socio-economic environment that is inclusionary, humane and self-sustaining. Social participatory engagements and community participation will be a distinguishing feature of a sustainable design processes. ‘People look after what they create.’

New ways of thinking

The design and related processes should contribute towards and develop an ongoing regenerative future. Designs should be change-embracing, adaptable and multi-use in their functionality whilst transforming the ethos and values of the broader community.

Placemaking performance

The design and related processes should enhance the rural or urban built environment in creating better social environment that respect all cultures. Designs should address challenges, including those related to inequality, climate, environments, prosperity, and social cohesion.

Leadership

Does the individual or collective who worked on the project display a sense of leadership and contribute to the creation of a new status quo in development? This criteria acknowledges individuals and collectives that are making sure that ideas around sustainability in design are embedded in future thinking and result in significant behavioural changes.

Four categories

Sustainable architecture

A sustainable new building or the conservation and restoration of an existing one.

Research in sustainability

Practice-based action and research work in the field of sustainability and the built environment.

Sustainable product/technology

A product or technology of social impact with an objective of changing lives.

Sustainable social programmes

A project of social impact in the field of sustainability and the living environment.

Celebrating projects that move us forward in our relationship to nature

2019/2020 Award

Take a closer look at all the previously awarded and commended projects for the AfriSam-SAIA Sustainable Design Award

Dive into our library of videos profiling the incredible achievements of local leaders in sustainability. From high-quality craftsmanship to tech innovation, and exceptional social programmes, our media library showcases the length and breadth of sustainable development and excellence.