Now Now

competition

Beyond the Classroom: ECD Design Competition

Designers are invited to envision the future of early childhood development (ECD) infrastructure in South Africa through a scalable, modular, and aspirational preschool design. This competition challenges entrants to critically analyse their design approach, considering social impact, environmental sustainability, and financial feasibility to create a model that redefines the learning spaces of tomorrow. The winning proposal will be constructed in conjunction with Education Africa’s - Social Architecture Program during 2026, serving as a prototype for the cost-effective development of high-quality pre-school infrastructure in the future.. Entrants are encouraged to present bold yet practical proposals that respond to the realities of South Africa’s diverse communities, reimagining the future of early childhood education—Beyond the Classroom.

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Student Registration: 19 March - 31 July
- fully sponsored -
Normal registration: 19 March - 31 July
R750 per team

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Submission deadline: 31 July, 2025 24:00 CAT
Winner announcement: 30 August 2025

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Ijora Power Station: Lagos' New Creative Landmark

What comes to mind when you hear “Lagos”? Bustling markets, busy traffic, a booming population, or perhaps its iconic style and Afrobeats? The NowNow competition invites you to explore the rich history of Nigeria’s first major power station, the Ijora Power Plant. Commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1923, the oil-fired Ijora “B” Station once powered Lagos and surrounding regions. Today, it stands as a shadow of its former self. We invite you to share your vision of how the Ijora Power Station can become a new landmark for Lagos' growing creative industry.

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Early bird registration: 01 Oct - 30 Nov
25 USD per team
Normal registration: 01 Dec - Jan 31
35 USD per team
Late registration: 01 Feb - 28 Feb
45 USD per team

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Submission deadline: 28 Feb, 2025
Winner announcement: 31 March, 2025

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Future Khayelitsha: A Vision for Spine Road

"Future Khayelitsha: A Vision for Spine Road" challenges designers to create a 2030 vision for the future High Street' along one of Khayelitsha's most vibrant thoroughfares — Spine Road. This street is renowned among visitors and residents for daily shopping, transport, weekend social activities, and vibrant nightlife. Entrants are asked to provide a unique urban perspective –imagining bold and practical urban development in the area, based on a principle of redistribution of wealth and opportunity to the residents of Khayelitsha, where capital and local government have heavily invested in building the future of Khayelitsha - 'Our New Home.'

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1st Place: uKwakha - kwiKhayelitsha
Leila Bruce, Keleketso Ramodibe & Yonela Liwani
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2nd Place: Lacing the Informal and Formal Urban Fabrics of Khayelitsha
Ronald Businge
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3rd Place: Spinal Fusion
Paloma Chuquin & Kennedy Mackinnon

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The Circuit: A future for Formula-E

"The Circuit: A Future for Formula-E" challenges designers to create a pavilion for the annual Cape Town Formula E race, which is returning to the city. The pavilion aims to enhance the race experience while also considering the socio-political and socio-historic benefits of the event. Entrants are expected to critically examine their designs and offer a unique architectural and urban perspective on the racing experience in the city.

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1st Place: The Green Point Pavilion
Christine Botha, Chris Bakker, Reghardt Bekker - Gass Architects
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2nd Place: The ZigZag Pavilion
Alma Holm
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3rd Place: Pitstop
Lloyd Pretorius

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competition

Design competitions should allow bold and exciting problems to stretch young designers beyond their school or professional practice. Imaginative thinking, creative problem-solving and integrating knowledge should empower and inspire a new generation of designers.

The NowNow architecture competition hosts international design competitions focused on briefs from and about the African continent and its future. Its aim is to establish a culture of curiosity and critical thinking, while building strong relationships through strategic partnerships and collaborations – attracting a global community of professionals and architecture students – providing them with an opportunity to proudly showcase their work.

NowNow wants to inspire innovative designs that push the boundaries of what's possible and create new possibilities for the future. We strive to challenge conventional thinking and embrace new technologies and ideas to create unique and memorable spaces that stand the test of time. Through our work, we hope to inspire a new generation of architects to be bold, imaginative, and forward-thinking in their designs, and shapers of the built environment for years to come.
We embrace diversity and individuality, recognizing that our differences only strengthen us. We urge everyone to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the table, as we strive to create an environment that values and respects everyone's contribution.

The NowNow is a team of passionate architects and designers who aim to drive positive change through architectural innovation. Alongside the team, a well-qualified jury of practicing architects, designers, academics, and educators will evaluate submissions. The project also involves key partners, industry experts, academic institutions, and, of course, the applicants and their teams, creating a vibrant and collaborative community of creatives to tackle each brief.

The competition is open to all architects, designers, urbanists, engineers, artists, makers, and anyone with a passion for the future of our urban environments. We encourage any students or recent graduates to register. Whether you prefer working solo or collaborating with a team of up to 3 members, we welcome you to showcase your ideas.

the jury

TCRPV Architects

Michael Carey

With 29 years of architectural experience, Michael has led projects across education, corporate, mixed-use, and industrial sectors, completing over 2 million square meters of built space. A sustainability-focused architect, he holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of the Witwatersrand and is passionate about designing engaging, adaptable educational spaces that foster lifelong learning and community interaction. Michael champions collaborative design, ensuring schools align with functional and social goals. His management approach balances creativity, cost control, and quality, while prioritising environmental responsibility throughout every project phase.

Community Architect

Kevin Kimwelle

Kimwelle is an architect and researcher specialising in sustainable design, alternative materials, and community-driven development. His work spans Kenya to South Africa, with global collaborations across the USA, Europe, India, and Africa. His Food Pavilion at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront - built from 98% recycled materials - was nominated for the 2024 Barcelona Construmat Awards. A multi-award-winning architect, he has been recognised by the SAIA and the South African Cities Network for his transformational projects.Featured in The Guardian, CNN, and ArchDaily, Kimwelle has contributed to global initiatives like COP27 and the 2023 Copenhagen Film Festival for UIA. He is also a TEDx speaker.

Breadline Africa

Lene Øverland

Lene has over two decades of leadership experience and expertise in public health, gender equality, women’s leadership, sexual and reproductive rights and health, resource mobilisation, effective communication, and early childhood development. Throughout her career, she has prioritised good governance and strategic planning to design and implement programmes that truly make a difference. Lene’s passion for operational excellence has fuelled her success in building strategic partnerships with funders, civil society organisations and governments. She excels in operational excellence and strategic partnership-building, and firmly believes that, by working together, we can pave the way for sustainable change.

ECD Owner

Theodora Lutuli

Theodora is a passionate advocate for early childhood development (ECD), the owner and principal of Khanyisa Nursery and Inkwenkwezi Educare Centre in Nyanga, where she oversees the care and education of 150 children. Originally established to provide a safe space for children while parents sought employment, these centers have become a quality model, of inclusive education. With a strong background in human rights and policy advocacy, Theodora has served as Deputy Chairperson for Justice Desk Africa, contributed to the book Thought Leaders of ECD in South Africa, and led protest marches to the Department of Basic Education and Parliament for ECD recognition. A frequent panelist on education and social justice, committed to shaping a future where ECD professionals and the sector are valued as essential to South Africa’s development.

The MAAK

Max Mellville, Ashleigh Killa

The MAAK is an award-winning architecture studio based in Cape Town co-founded by Ashleigh Killa and Max Melvill in 2016. Specialising in ‘social-impact architecture’, the studio works closely with organisations, institutions and funding bodies to deliver impactful public projects. Spanning across educational, experimental and conventional modes of making, The MAAK’s body of work challenges typical means of architectural production in search of more thoughtful ways to care for, evolve and build our world. The MAAK is a process-based studio that is driven by its commitment to people, making and materials. The studio collaborates with end-users to create work that reflects the unique needs and dreams of the people they serve. Hands-on and explorative actions translate into spatial conditions that hope to inspire human connection, architectural discourse and above all, joy!

SAVANT Integrated Concepts

Oluyemi Shonubi

Oluyemi is the founder of SAVANT Integrated Concepts Limited, a multidisciplinary project management firm in Lagos, Nigeria. With 30 years of experience spanning engineering, corporate banking, real estate finance, and project development, she has a proven track record of excellence. She is a member of the Body of Experts for the Rebuild Lagos Trust Fund, focused on restoring legacy buildings, and served as Project Coordinator for The Palms Shopping Mall, West Africa’s first international-standard mall. A passionate advocate for global best practices in project management, Oluyemi is a Trustee of ProMaCon, an NGO established in 2009 to promote the profession in Nigeria. Her broad expertise allows her to deliver impactful projects across industries, combining regulatory knowledge with practical insights.

The Sahara Center

Adun Okupe

Dr Adun Okupe, a tourism expert, is a senior advisor with Red Clay Advisory, host of the West African Tourism Roundtable Series and Faculty member of Lagos Business School. She is also a culture and arts advocate and a nature lover. She holds a PhD in Tourism Leadership from the University of Surrey, a Masters in Development Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London and a first-class degree in Business Economics from the University of Keele. Okupe has also had a stint at the Universities of Edinburgh and Surrey, the World Travel and Tourism Council, KPMG London, and the W Hospitality Group.

MOE+ Art and Architecture

Papa Omotayo

Papa Omotayo is an award-winning architect, designer, writer, and filmmaker. His work explores culture within contemporary Nigeria and the broader African context. Focused on cross-disciplinary collaboration, he seeks to create nuanced visual narratives in Nigeria’s urban centres and beyond. Papa is the founder of A Whitespace Creative Agency and is the Creative Director of MOE+ Art Architecture. He currently lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria.

Lagos Urban Development Institute

Olamide Udoma-Ejorh

Olamide is an Urban Activist with degrees in Architecture, Design, and Infrastructure Management. Starting her career in PR, she gained a strong business and marketing foundation. Olamide has worked in London, South Africa, and Nigeria, focusing on transport management, slum upgrading, and housing rights in African cities. She is a trustee at Open House Lagos and the former Editor-in-Chief of Lost in Lagos Magazine.

Patrick Waheed Design Consultancy

Ade Shokunbi

Adeyemo Shokunbi is a Nigerian architect based in the UK. He co-founded a design firm specializing in high-end projects across the UK. In 2007, he co-established Patrick Waheed Design Consultancy (PWDC) to explore Ethno-Tropical Contemporary (ETC) architecture. Adeyemo has worked on residential, educational, commercial, and worship spaces, redefining Nigerian architecture through his New Alternative Nigerian Aesthetic (NANA). In 2021, he won the IFI Innovative Design Excellence Award. He is registered with ARCON, a member of MNIA, and a head of the Cultural Intellectual Association.

Architect and Project Manager at VPUU

Tiago Damasceno

Tiago Damasceno is a Project Manager at Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU NPC). Through his work at VPUU, he has carried out urban and architectural development projects around Khayelitsha. Tiago, of Mozambican origin, graduated with a Masters in Architecture (prof) at UCT. He worked as an architect and builder in Berlin and Pakistan and was part of the team that won Gold at the HOLCIM awards for Asia and Pacific. He championed a development project focused on natural building materials and architecture for Ethiopia's rural housing between EiABC in Addis Ababa and ETH in Zurich. Tiago has grown a career in development with a strong focus on the built environment embedded in social cohesion and social construct. He understands the dynamics of working between Municipality, Community and technical pressures.

Urbanist and Architectural Designer

Tshepo Mokholo

Tshepo Mokholo is a South African interdisciplinary designer, urbanist, writer, and researcher. He holds an Honours degree in Architecture from the University of Pretoria and is pursuing a Master’s in Southern Urbanism at the African Centre for Cities. His research focuses on alternative development models, particularly examining township food systems. Mokholo has worked on design and research projects internationally, including with the African Design Centre and MASS Design Group in Kenya and Rwanda. He writes for platforms like Africa In Fact and Mail & Guardian, discussing urban governance, township innovation, and spatial economics. He is co-authoring a book on Public Interest Design In South Africa from 1994 with Claire Du Trevou and Dr Carin Combrinck. His work emphasizes reimagining cities and exploring ideas at the margins.

Urban development practitioner

Claudia Hitzeroth

Claudia Hitzeroth, a South African urban development practitioner specializing in affordable housing, formerly served as a Project Coordinator at the Development Action Group (DAG), a Cape Town-based NGO addressing urban land and housing issues. She focused on institutionalizing innovative urban land management strategies in South African cities to achieve spatial transformation and inclusion. Claudia has extensive affordable housing finance experience, facilitating small-scale rental housing and infrastructure funding mechanisms. She is a guest lecturer at UCT and UCL. Holding a master's degree in Sustainable Urban Development from the Bartlett Development Planning Unit, UCL, and a BSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of Cape Town, Claudia is currently a nominated fellow of the DGMT Innovation Fellowship for young leaders from the civil society sector.

Urbanist and Architect

Claire du Trevou

Claire, an urbanist and architect, brings radical honesty to her diverse career in urban development, thriving in complexity and adapting to new methods. In 2021, she complemented her Architectural Qualifications with an MBA, blending creative problem-solving with strategic skills for tackling systemic urban issues. Known for facilitating participatory workshops, Claire implements brave ideas for sustainable urban regeneration. Her research at People’s Environmental Planning into Backyard Rentals was pivotal in forming Bitprop. Claire remains committed to inclusive township regeneration and co-creation spaces while on a break from the South African housing landscape. Her enthusiasm spills into everything she does, making her a dedicated force for building better cities and co-creating safe spaces.

ABCD Concepts

Buntu Matole

Co-founder of ABCD Concepts Pty Ltd, Buntu Matole, born in Gauteng and raised in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, is a dynamic entrepreneur and community leader. Established in 2015 with business partner Ayanda Cuba, ABCD Concepts aimed to reshape Khayelitsha's perception. Starting with sports-focused initiatives, tournaments, and coaching clinics, the venture evolved into a tourist attraction, elevating the community's profile. Buntu, actively engaged in operations, customer relations, and team management, has contributed to the success of ABCD. In 2016, he became an Airbnb experience host, later obtaining registration as a tourist guide in 2017. His commitment has played a pivotal role in transforming Khayelitsha into a vibrant and thriving destination, specifically Spine Road.

Architectural Designer & Researcher

Sarah Harding

Sarah Harding is an architectural designer, researcher, and writer from Johannesburg, now based in London. Her work delves into critical theory and experimental design, challenging traditional architectural norms and focusing on the politics of space and the body. Sarah earned her master's in architecture in 2020 from the University of Johannesburg and has worked with progressive South African firms like UrbanWorks and Counterspace. She also tutored master's students at the University of Johannesburg and conducted research at the African Futures Institute. Recently, she assisted Lesley Lokko, the curator of the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Currently, Sarah is a researcher and writer at Adjaye Associates in London.

Lotus Metis

Lloyd Martin

Lloyd Martin, the founder of Locus Metis, creates sustainable and culturally-integrated spaces, leveraging the urban metabolism framework. With international experience, he believes in honest architecture that engages with its environment. Locus Metis blends innovation, sustainability, and cultural integration, shaping meaningful spaces for a harmonious future.

Young Urbanists

Roland Posthma

Roland Postma is the Managing Director of Young Urbanists in South Africa, co-coordinating the Active Mobility Forum. Originally from Pretoria, he holds a first-class Honours degree in Urban and Regional Planning and resides in Cape Town. Passionate about urban transformation, Roland engages stakeholders to create vibrant, sustainable communities. With a deep understanding of South Africa's urban challenges, he empowers young professionals in urbanism. Through leadership, he aims to repurpose cities and streets, acting as a catalyst for transformative change and redefining the South African dream. He believes in leaving a legacy by building people-centered cities.

Mimo Architects

Leonard Miller

Leonard Miller is a co-director and lead designer at MiMo Architects, a Johannesburg-based design firm passionately dedicated to discovering the essence of enduring architecture. With a primary focus on beauty, economy, and appropriateness, Leonard and his team at MiMo Architects delve beneath superficial layers to uncover the fundamental elements that generate a lasting impact in their designs. Our design ethos emphasizes extracting maximum experience from minimal means. By thoughtfully arranging spaces and utilizing simple materials, we create experiential architecture that harmonizes with nature and maximizes user comfort.

Formula E Project Manager

Faldi Samaai

Faldi, the Head Project Manager for Cape Town's Formula E event and is a seasoned Project Developer and Civil Engineer. His work has spanned an extensive variety of prominent projects including the V&A Marina, The One & Only Hotel, The Portside Building, and the C40 Net Zero initiative. Faldi has also worked on the Athlone CBD revitalization project and the mixed-income, mixed-use Conradie Park developments in Cape Town. Faldi's passion for sustainable design and development drives his work. In addition to his professional commitments, he is deeply dedicated to education and actively shares his knowledge, advocating for fostering healthy urbanism in Cape Town, aiming to create a sustainable and vibrant future for the city's residents.

School of Explorative Architecture

Albert van Jaarsveld

Albert van Jaarsveld, a registered architect, established a practice in London after completing his post-graduate Diploma in architecture at Cambridge University. He returned to South Africa in 2010, working part-time at the University of Cape Town as a tutor and course convener for eleven years. Albert was also employed full-time at Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects (SAOTA) until 2020. He developed the undergraduate curriculum at UCT, integrating theory, technology, and design methodology. Additionally, he created the bridging course for admission to landscape architecture and urban design courses. Albert publishes research, delivers public lectures, presents at international conferences, and conducts architecture tours regularly.