Centre pour le Bien-être des Femmes, Burkina Faso / FAREstudio

Centre pour le Bien-être des Femmes (CBF) et la prévention des mutilations génitales féminines ´G.Kambou’ in Burkina Faso, Africa, designed by Italian practice, FAREstudio, has been named winner in the Health category at the prestigious World Architecture Festival Awards (WAF Awards) 2008.

CBF is a women’s health centre created between 2005 and 2007 by AIDOS, an Italian NGO fighting for women’s rights in developing countries. The centre was financed by the political party Democratici di Sinistra and with a contribution from the European Commission.

The WAF Awards are taking place at the Centre Convencions International Barcelona (CCIB) during the inaugural World Architecture Festival in Barcelona between the 22nd and 24th October. The biggest architectural awards programme in the world, the WAF Awards are designed to celebrate the work, concerns and aspirations of the international architectural community.

CBF was voted for by a panel of some of the world’s most distinguished architects and renowned industry experts. It triumphed over fierce competition from a shortlist of 16 entries and was awarded the prize for encompassing all the basic qualities that make good architecture: political relevance, local culture and climate along with rich space making.

The judges said: “This project shows architecture as a health giver and shies away from traditional institutionalised solutions, integrating the building in local culture.”

The health-service programme developed by AIDOS, together with its local partners focuses on providing the educational services, information and awareness about women’s sexual and reproductive rights in Sector 27 of Ouagadougou, an area outside the city settled by the rural population.

The social programme required a building which could function in very harsh circumstances. The project was completed in 15 months by a local builder.

Speaking at the WAF Awards Paul Finch, WAF programme director and editor of Architectural Review, said: “We have seen a huge response to the Awards, which recognise and celebrate international excellence. The quantity and quality of the entries provides a real showcase of global architecture and highlights how architects change the way we think about buildings. Our congratulations go to FAREstudio for Centre pour le Bien-être des Femmes et la prévention des mutilations génitales féminines ´G.Kambou which thoroughly deserves this accolade.”