Short Description
The African Design Centre (ADC) at MASS turns insights from our projects into sustained movements for change. As a hub for innovation, the ADC fosters a commitment to upholding Africa’s unique heritage and culture—ensuring that architectural education and practice in Africa are deeply rooted in Indigenous knowledge, local narratives, and craft traditions. The design centre has three workstreams:
- Research: Investigate how failures of space and design exacerbate the root causes of inequitable development, gaps in healthcare access, climate vulnerability, and barriers to education and economic opportunity across the African continent. Define how locally driven, design-based interventions can deliver transformational change.
- Catalyst Projects: Pilot high-impact, proof-of-concept projects — including maternal health facilities, innovation hubs, conservation infrastructure, and education campuses — that demonstrate scalable, community-centered design solutions for Africa’s most urgent challenges.
- Systems Change: Advance a new generation of African design leaders through the African Design Centre (ADC) Fellowship and mentorship programs.
With support from the Mellon Foundation and additional funding from the Cravens Foundation, MASS is relaunching the ADC Fellowship, empowering African architects and designers to lead the continent’s urbanization.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be nationals of an African country, 35 years of age or below.
- Applicants must be built-environment professionals and hold a degree in architecture, urban design, landscape, engineering, or a related field.
- Applicants must be able to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, from September 2025 to August 2026.
Submission Requirements
Eligible candidates will be asked to submit resumes/CVs, references, portfolio, and a statement of alignment.
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
The Fellows will:
- Conduct Research: Undertake culturally rooted design research exploring indigenous knowledge systems, vernacular architecture, and urban patterns.
- Pilot Projects: Engage in community-based design projects within the designated focus areas.
- Disseminate Knowledge: Publish reflective pieces to share insights gained during the Fellowship.
Fellows will receive support from MASS program staff, assigned design and professional mentors. This is a paid fellowship that requires relocation to Kigali, Rwanda, for 12 months. In the second year, Fellows receive ongoing remote mentorship and regular check-ins with the MASS team. They may also be eligible for funded support to pursue independent research initiatives.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Rwanda
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 13 July 2025
Website Link: https://massdesigngroup.org/MASS-relaunches-ADC
