Research in Practice Grants
Advancing sustainable design and construction for emerging professionals
Research in Practice Grants (RPG)
2018-23
The Research in Practice Grant (RPG) initiative offered by the Holcim Foundation from 2018 until 2023 expanded upon the Next Generation category of the Holcim Awards competition for university students and young professionals.
RPGs offered financial backing and expert feedback to emerging professionals dedicated to pioneering research in sustainable design and construction. With a deliberate emphasis on addressing the practical challenges in architecture, urban planning, and building construction, the RPG program was distinctive for its focus on delivering sustained impact. The orientation towards practical applicability focused the research on generating tangible outcomes and direct positive benefits for local communities, ecologies, and economies.
The involvement of experts from the Holcim Foundation’s extensive network was pivotal. Their participation in project critiques ensured the quality and relevance of each research endeavor. The engagement with experts provided invaluable insights and guidance that not only refined the individual projects, but also supported the high standard of excellence across the RPG initiative.
Projects 2021-23
Unmaking Architecture
Re-Assembly Lines
Grant recipient: Daniel Marshall
As the world collectively strives to achieve net-zero goals, the need to revolutionize our approach to waste and implement a global circular economy becomes increasingly critical. The construction sector, with its massive ecological footprint, stands at the forefront of this challenge.
Amazon Vernacular Architecture
Lessons of sustainability to the formal space of Manaus, Brazil
Grant recipient: Danielle Gregorio
Inspired by indigenous vernacular architecture to empower riverside communities. This research tackles the critical housing deficit in Manaus, Brazil, by innovatively integrating local aspects and drawing inspiration from traditional Amazon riverside architecture.
Re-adapting Buoyant Vernacular Architecture
New solutions for Indonesia’s floating vernacular architecture
Grant recipients: Rionaldi Gunari, Laurentius Nicholas Rodriques, Gani Wiratama
The primary goals of the project include therefore developing a sustainable methodology and exploring new solutions for readapting buoyant vernacular architecture, seamlessly integrating it with thriving communities, using local materials and expertise.
Projects 2018-20
Ocean Energy Landscapes
Creating renewable energy infrastructure in Patagonia
Grant recipients: Stefano Romagnoli, Tomás Pont Apóstolo, and Juan Cruz Serafini
A multiscale approach to creating renewable energy infrastructures towards greater local sovereignty in Patagonia, Argentina.
[in]Formal Pattern Language
Creating a toolkit for delivering sustainable urban growth
Grant recipient: Nada Nafeh
Examining how sustainable urban growth and community empowerment can be optimized via a toolkit for architectural design in Cairo, Egypt.
Incremental Development Project
Sustainable brickmaking and brick industries in rural South Africa
Grant recipient: Heidi Boulanger
Integrating production facilities for construction material into rural communities, creating new urban nodes.