SYMBOLIC POWER, HISTORY AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

The National Palace in Port-au-Prince, Haiti has shaped and been shaped by the geopolitical history of the modern world. Destroyed in the 2010 earthquake, this site has a tumultuous history which has seen the likes of Simon Bolivar, colonial governors, and rebel armies pass through its environs. Today it is surrounded by a camp of homeless and displaced people, and it is unclear what will happen to the site in the future.

The complex relationship between its historical influences, the current political climate and presence of international actors will be explored in this research design competition. The aim of this competition is to explore how a designer can respond to the cultural, environmental and political conditions at the centre of the world’s biggest disaster so far this millennium. It is unlikely to be built, but it could break creative boundaries critiquing the situation or provide solutions to some of the problems identified on the site.

Article 25 are looking for a conceptual proposal for the National Palace that combines its official function of office and residence of the President and its relationship to the informal settlements and communities in its environs. Take into account the space as a symbol of the crisis, democracy and power as well as the necessity for security.

Expressions of Interest due: Friday 10th February

Submission deadline: Monday 19th March

Competition presentation: Thursday 29th March

Submissions will be judged on research potential, innovation, creativity and evidence of an understanding of the situation in the design response. A shortlist of submissions will be invited to present their work to a panel of expert judges in our London office. Winners will receive a selection of influential humanitarian architecture books and have their work featured on the Article 25 website, blog and RIBA Knowledge Community for Development and Disaster Relief.

For more information and to submit expressions of interest please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .