Holcim Awards “Next Generation” project showcased at Budapest “Pecha Kucha” designer’s think-tankThe dune anti-desertification architecture proposed by Swedish architect Magnus Larsson was presented at the recent Pecha Kucha night in Budapest.
The highly speculative concept proposes to slow the desertification of the Sahel region of Africa through the use of biotechnology to slow the movement of sand dunes which are currently heading southward at a breathtaking pace of around 600m per year, ruining the land and making it impossible for the inhabitants of this area to make a living or even stay in their homes.
The aim of the presentation was to encourage other young designers to pursue outstanding and novel project approaches – and to also consider entering the “Next Generation” (student category) of the Holcim Awards competition for sustainable construction projects and visions. Entries in the competition are open until March 23, 2011 and more information is available at:
www.holcimawards.org Pecha Kucha – the strength of ideasPecha Kucha (from the Japanese term of “chit-chat”) is a format for presenting concepts from the design, architecture, photography, art and creative fields. Pecha Kucha Nights are events now held in more than 260 cities around the world for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. The events are based on a simple idea: 20 slides shown for 20 seconds each, creating a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.
On October 20, 2010 Pecha Kucha Night Budapest celebrated its 20th event with a special green edition sponsored by the Holcim Awards competition. “Next Generation” winner Magnus Larsson was invited to explain to the 470 participants how life could be brought back to the deserts.
For more information on the project: “Next Generation” 1st prize 2008 Africa Middle East :
Dune anti-desertification architecture”, Sokoto, NigeriaFor more information on Pecha Kucha:
Pecha Kucha 20 x 20Budapest, Hungary – October 27, 2010