Architecture student from Heriot-Watt University Dubai wins global Cosentino Design Challenge 17

Uanzekin’s “Enlightened Horizons” selected from 127 entries received in the Architecture category from students across Europe, America and Asia.

Cosentino Group, the global leader of innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, officially announced the winners of the 17th edition of the Cosentino Design Challenge (CDC) at an award ceremony held at Cosentino City Madrid on 27th September.

The global competition, which closed in June 2023, was open to students enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year at any educational centre or polytechnic offering courses in design, architecture, interior architecture or other similar fields of study. With the collaboration of over 40 schools and universities worldwide, including 3 from the Middle East, this year’s edition received a total of 402 entries, 127 in Architecture and 265 in the Design category.

Responding to the theme “Green Architecture with Dekton and Stone”, 2nd year student from Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Ohireme Uanzekin, emerged as one of 3 winners in the Architecture competition. Selected from 127 projects received from students across Europe, America and Asia, Uanzekin’s winning proposal titled “Enlightened Horizons” was a proposition to revamp the existing National Library of Nigeria in Lagos.

Inspired from the age-old metaphor of the knowledge tree, the overhanging roof forms a canopy over the building while the structure represents the sturdy trunk. The exterior patterned flooring and the thoughtfully designed landscaping symbolize the roots, visually anchoring the library to its surroundings. The Fibonacci sequence is used extensively in the design of the roof structure and the flooring to amplify the organic harmony. Cosentino’s sustainable and large format ultracompact surface Dekton finds application in the façade for a seamless finish. To minimize material wastage, off-cuts from the façade are used in the design of the exterior flooring and park benches.

Elaborating on his motivation for the library redesign, Uanzekin said, “Architecture is a powerful tool for positive change in societies and communities. Competitions such as these are a helpful tool for us students to support various global causes. The Lagos National Library of Nigeria has been a long-standing knowledge hub but with a need to be revamped to serve the community better. The design concept is inspired by tree growth, through which I sought to connect community and knowledge. I am grateful to the architecture faculty at Heriot-Watt University Dubai for supporting my project and to the Cosentino Group for uplifting the next generation of designers.”

Excited about this noteworthy win, Uanzekin’s guide, Associate Professor Shameel Muhammed at Heriot-Watt University Dubai said, ” Ohireme is a very passionate and dedicated architecture student with a promising future. Winning this competition has encouraged him and other students to participate in regional and international design challenges. These are important milestones in their journey as young architects preparing to positively impact and shape the world they live in.”

This year’s international jury included architect and designer Paco Lago, from the Paco Lago Interioriza studio, professors Juan L. Santos, from School of Art and Higher Design of Zamora (Spain); Itsaso Recalde Mugueta, School of Art and Design of Pamplona; Isik Ülkün Neusser, from Izmir Economy University (Turkey); Jorge Roa, Higher Technical School of Architecture of Sevilla (ETSAS); and Julián Galindo, from Higher Technical School of Architecture of Barcelona (ETSAB).
Santiago Alfonso, Vice-president of Communication and Corporate Reputation of Cosentino Group, chaired as president of the jury.

Overall, 6 projects have emerged as winners, 3 in Architecture and 3 in the Design category, with each awarded a cash prize of €1,000. 6 runners-up have also been chosen to receive a diploma. An event will be hosted at Cosentino City Dubai in October for participating universities and students from the UAE with an agenda to showcase the 6 winning entries. The event will also felicitate Ohireme Uanzekin and mark the official launch of the next edition of Cosentino Design Challenge #CosentinoDC18.