INES-Ruhengeri Students Win Top Honors at African Union of Architects Design Competition

On 1st March 2025, three students from the Architecture Department at INES-Ruhengeri were awarded by the Rwandan Institute of Architects (RIA) during the Golden-Hills Gala Dinner at Ubumwe Grande Hotel for their outstanding designs in the Transforming Informal Settlements: Kigali Urban Design Challenge.

In February 2024, the Ministry of Infrastructure of Rwanda (MININFRA), the Rwanda Institute of Architects (RIA), and the African Union of Architects (AUA) launched the competition to engage Rwandan architecture students in developing innovative solutions for informal settlements in Kigali. The competition was open to students from the two Schools of Architecture in Rwanda—INES-Ruhengeri and the University of Rwanda—who competed for the prestigious award.

INES-Ruhengeri had a strong representation in the competition, with 36 students submitting visionary urban and architectural designs for two selected informal settlements, Kagugu and Rwezamenyo 1. Their proposals were evaluated based on innovation, sustainability, community engagement, feasibility, and aesthetics.

At the end of the competition, Yannick Nkundiyeze secured first place, Ally Hassan Mizero took second place, and Pacifique Haringanji placed third. All three are fifth-year students at INES-Ruhengeri, having been in their fourth year at the time of participating in the competition. Their victory is a testament to their dedication and creativity in tackling urban development challenges.

The recognition of these students underscores INES-Ruhengeri’s strong commitment to fostering architectural talent and urban development solutions. During the award ceremony, INES-Ruhengeri’s Architecture Department was also officially recognized as one of only two Schools of Architecture in Rwanda, marking a significant milestone for the institution.

Representing INES-Ruhengeri at the award ceremony, Dr. BIRARO Mireille, Director of International Relations, appreciated the initiative and encouraged RIA and AUA members to maintain strong ties with the School of Architecture at INES-Ruhengeri.

This achievement was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Head of the Architecture Department, Arch. Chemi Andrew NDIZEYE, his team, and the INES-Ruhengeri management, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of architects.

Initially, the organisers received 89 registrations, of which 63 projects were submitted. After a rigorous evaluation, only 26 submissions met the competition's criteria, and the top three winners were awarded.

Yannick NKUNDIYEZE – Secured 1st Place!  Awarded as the winner of the Transforming Informal Settlements: Kigali Urban Design Challenge.

Pacifique HARINGANJI – Secured 2nd Place! Awarded as the runner-up in the Transforming Informal Settlements: Kigali Urban Design Challenge.

Ally Hassan MIZERO – Secured 3rd Place! Awarded as the third-place winner in the Transforming Informal Settlements: Kigali Urban Design Challenge.

Dr. Mireille BIRARO – Representing INES-Ruhengeri!  Recognised the initiative and encouraged continued collaboration between the Rwanda Institute of Architects and INES-Ruhengeri’s School of Architecture.