Participants from three countries built the prototype for a modular house in Ethiopia, thereby exchanging knowledge – and showing how living conditions of the very poor can be improved through simple means.

The project was designed as a hands-on assignment for the students for two reasons. First, Dirk Donath believes that all young architects should get their hands dirty on a construction site at least once, to enhance their practical knowledge of the building process. And second, a fundamental requirement for the SICU was that even someone with minimal construction know-how should be able to build one. The students were to prove that even beginners can put the concept into practice.

“We have brought together students and professors from three countries and have exchanged knowledge: all of this will move construction practice in a more sustainable direction, and that really makes a difference!”

Read feature interview in 4th Holcim Awards 2014/2015 (flip-book)