Editors’ Choice

2023 Skyscraper Competition
Kael Samake, Saijeeni Elangko, Faye Bonifacio

Canada

The Sahel is a geographic region that runs across the African continent. It is the border between the Sahara Desert to the north and the tropics to the south.

The indigenous baobab tree is the heart of African tradition and folklore. Referred to as the Teydouma in a local dialect for its femininity, the tree provides protection and education to the local communities and has become a symbol of life for the people who live among it.

The Teydouma tower draws inspiration from the baobab and intends to provide food and water, shelter, a place for the community to gather, and educational opportunities for the Sahelian communities. Climate change, food insecurity, and a primarily young population are all challenges that Sahelians struggle with in their daily lives. The region has experienced the temperature rising 1.5 times faster compared to the global average. Heat waves, floods, and droughts have all become more severe and the region has not been prepared to adapt to these changes.
Teydouma will utilize various sustainable practices within its design to provide for the tower?s residents and the existing community infrastructure.

In the local vernacular, earth, mud, and clay are used to express and reflect the region?s forms and culture. By using 3D printing technology, Teydouma will be able to merge the traditional materials of the region and create a building typology...