World Habitat Awards 2020

The World Habitat Awards were established in 1985 by the Building and Social Housing Foundation as part of its contribution to the United Nations’ International Year of Shelter for the Homeless in 1987

The World Habitat Awards recognise and highlight innovative, outstanding and sometimes revolutionary housing ideas, projects and programmes from across the world. Each year two winners receive £10,000 each and a trophy, presented at a global UN-Habitat event. More than 250 outstanding projects have been recognised over the years, demonstrating substantial, lasting improvements in living conditions.

 

The winners of the 2020 World Habitat Awards are:

Homelessness prevention in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (Gold)
The partnership approach of Newcastle City Council has prevented over 24,000 households from becoming homeless since 2014. This involves addressing issues that can contribute to homelessness, such as debt and access to welfare support - to increase residents’ income and reduce their expenditure where possible.

Integrating indigenous knowledge and technology for safer habitat, Pakistan (Gold)
Set up by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Pakistan (AKAH Pakistan). AKAH geologists use satellite images and risk-mapping tools, with participation from residents (who contribute local knowledge and receive training on the process), to establish residential and economic zones, and develop disaster management plans.

 

David Ireland, Chief Executive of World Habitat, said: “After a traumatic year two of the main housing challenges facing the world today are the impact of the climate emergency on vulnerable communities and the heightened risks of homelessness caused by the pandemic. We were inspired by two extraordinary projects that demonstrate how local expertise, partnership-working and making the best use of technology and resources can meet these huge challenges. “

 

Alongside these Gold Award Winner’s World Habitat presented two Silver Awards and three Bronze Awards.

 

Compressed Earth Bricks and Community Enterprises, Nepal (Silver)

Enabling local entrepreneurs to build eco-friendly homes and create sustainable micro-enterprises in communities affected by disasters.

 

Space-S, Netherlands (Silver)

A unique social housing estate in Eindhoven, with its design, development and management led by its residents.

 

Habitat and living conditions improvement in poor communities in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Bronze)

Supporting residents in informal settlements by improving safety of homes, developing community action, and delivering family support and training.

 

Developing and operating social housing and social care programmes in Budapest, Hungary (Bronze)

A housing renovation, employment support and housing rights advocacy project that delivers affordable rental homes for homeless and low-income people.

 

Camp In, Portugal (Bronze)

Improving the housing conditions and quality of life of vulnerable or at-risk groups through volunteers, focusing on rural areas.

 

For further information on previous World Habitat Award winners on the use platform click here.