Organized by Godfrey Okoye University, Nigeria · Sponsored by OXI-ZEN
The Frank Mbanefo Design Competition
Excellence & Innovation Rooted in Indigenous Wisdom
Crafting Zero-Carbon Cultural Habitats for the Tropics
Design buildings that are of their place, for their place — achieving carbon neutrality while strengthening culture.
Reimagining the Built Environment for Equatorial Climates
The world's tropical regions, home to immense biodiversity and rich cultural traditions, are on the frontline of the climate crisis. Architecture here faces a dual imperative: mitigate environmental impact through zero-carbon strategies, and adapt to unique climatic challenges while respectfully engaging with cultural identity.
We seek proposals that are not just technically proficient but poetically grounded — where advanced sustainable material science and energy modeling converse with vernacular wisdom, spatial narratives, and cultural memory.
Five Core Themes
Entries must comprehensively address all five interlinked themes. Together they form an integrated vision for a resilient, beautiful, zero-carbon tropical future.
Tropical Architecture
Demonstrate mastery of passive design strategies for hot-humid climates. Respond to solar orientation, rain, humidity, and wind patterns to ensure thermal comfort, natural ventilation, and daylighting — without mechanical reliance.
Sustainable Materials & Zero Carbon
Prioritize low-embodied carbon and regenerative material cycles. Explore locally sourced, bio-based materials — bamboo, certified timber, mycelium composites, rammed earth — and innovative reuse of waste streams. Target cradle-to-cradle carbon neutrality.
Energy Efficiency & Renewables
Design for ultra-low energy demand. Integrate renewable energy generation — solar, micro-wind, hydro-kinetic — seamlessly into the design. Outline a clear energy balance strategy aiming for Net Positive Energy.
Traditional Cultural Aspects
Engage deeply with the cultural context of your chosen site. Investigate and reinterpret traditional spatial organization, social structures, craftsmanship, symbolism, and the relationship between built form and nature. Tell a story of cultural continuity.
Holistic Sustainability
Consider water harvesting, management, and recycling; ecosystem integration; biodiversity enhancement; and social sustainability through community engagement and functional adaptability. Design for the whole system.
The Program Brief
A Community Cultural Node & Learning Centre — approximately 1,500–2,000 m², designed as a hub for cultural exchange, traditional craft, digital learning, and community.
Required Spaces
Submission Boards (A1 Landscape)
- Concept narrative
- Site plan with climate analysis
- Thermal, wind & sun path diagrams
- Plans at min. 1:200
- Sections and elevations
- Material strategy sketches
- Environmental performance diagrams
- Material sourcing & carbon analysis
- Energy strategy diagrams
Format: Single PDF (max 20 MB) · 3 A1 boards (landscape) + optional 3D renders + 300-word project summary
Anonymous: No names or school insignia on boards — blind review process
Eligibility Requirements
This competition is exclusively open to current students and graduates of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu. We encourage interdisciplinary collaboration — bringing together diverse perspectives to tackle these complex challenges. Individual entrants or teams of up to 4 can apply.
Eligible Program Types
Competition Schedule
Mark your calendar. All times in West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1).
Free to Enter
No registration fee. Registration opens April 15 and closes May 15. Registered participants gain access to the Q&A portal.
Prizes & Awards
Total prize pool of ₦9,000,000+ awarded across all categories, plus publication and exhibition opportunities.
Evaluation Criteria
Judged by renowned international jury of architects, engineers, material scientists, and cultural theorists.
Apply to Compete
Register your interest. Selected applicants will receive a unique submission code to upload their design work before the July 31 deadline.
Free Entry
There is no registration fee. This competition is open to all current students and graduates of Godfrey Okoye University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you register.
Organized & Sponsored By
Godfrey Okoye University
Enugu, Nigeria
A leading Catholic university in Enugu State, committed to academic excellence, innovation, and the development of future-ready professionals rooted in African values and global best practices.
gouni.edu.ngOXÏ-ZEN Solutions LLC
Zug, Switzerland
The world's first blockchain-based global carbon standard. OXÏ-ZEN unites IPCC-grade science with UN-aligned governance and ultra-low-emission digital infrastructure — enabling transparent, traceable carbon balancing and real support for climate action and indigenous communities.
Inspired by the rigour of ACSA/AISC, UIA International Student Competitions, MIT Climate CoLab, Harvard GSD, ETH Zurich, TU Delft, and the Bamboo International Design Competition.