Mumuni Library Receives UIA “Friendly and Inclusive Spaces” Award Special Mention

Eleni Coromvli’s submission of the Mumuni Library to the 2017 International Union of Architects (UIA) Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards garnered a Special Mention. 

The UIA Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards were founded to encourage and acknowledge architects who have created exemplary friendly, inclusive and accessible buildings and public spaces. Entries must demonstrate that they have met the highest standards of universal and inclusive design, where the realised designs contribute to the quality of life of all those who may use them.

Awards are given in four categories: New Buildings, Public Spaces, Existing & Historic Buildings and Research. Entries are assessed in two stages, first by an international jury located in each of the UIA’s five regions and finally by an international jury including a past award winner.

In 2017 a total of 76 entries were received from 28 countries across five continents. The jury was impressed by the range of project types submitted and by the standard and quality of the shortlisted entries. 

In the New Buildings category, Lubuto’s Architect Eleni Coromvli received a Special Mention for the Mumuni Library.  The Jury’s comment:  The character of the library in three separate buildings is seamlessly attuned to the character of Zambian indigenous architecture. Reading and learning inside familiar architectural spaces facilitate a happy transition into the world of education. Ramps to the building entrances ensure access to those with mobility aids.

Winners of the 2017 Edition of the International Union of Architects (UIA) Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards (Medals and Special Mentions) were formally presented on the 6th September 2017 at the UIA Award Ceremony in Seoul, Korea, during the 26th UIA Congress of Architecture.  The medal winning entries, special mentions and all shortlisted entries were exhibited on the UIA Architecture for All Work Programme Stand at the UIA Congress in Seoul from the 3rd – 7th September 2017 and are subsequently exhibited on the UIA Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards platform.