Australian architecture firm shortlisted for design of Kenyan conservation centre

A Queensland architecture practice has been shortlisted in an international open design competition for a new conservation centre in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) competition attracted more than 100 entries from 32 different countries, however only four will advance to the next stage.

Australian firm Hayman and Charlton Architects have been shortlisted, alongside fellow contenders DCS and Architects (Italy), Studio Moren (UK), and Void Studios (UK).

Entrants were challenged with designing an "innovative and engaging" conservation centre that could be used to facilitate tourist education about conservation in the reserve and the traditions of the Maasai people. The purpose of the centre is to deepen visitors' knowledge of the significance of the Maasai Mara region - as the site where millions of animals journey to during the Great Migration that occurs annually.

The winning practice will be announced in November 2024.