The Design Week Lagos (DWL) Students’ Competition 2024 is here again to challenge the next generation of architects and designers to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Each year, this prestigious competition provides real-world design projects that encourage students to craft visionary yet practical solutions, addressing contemporary issues in society. Our goal is to challenge how design is perceived and to highlight its significance in shaping economic and social landscapes.
For 2024, the theme is “NIPOST Creative Hub: Exploring the Role of Design in Economic Evolution.” This year’s competition invites students to reimagine an existing NIPOST factory in Lagos, transforming it into a vibrant and future-forward creative hub. The space will serve as a center for designers, innovators, and creators, driving economic growth while preserving the legacy of NIPOST’s furniture production for its offices across Nigeria. Students are tasked with creating a hub that is not only functional but also celebrates sustainability, collaboration, and the evolving demands of the creative economy in Africa.
In previous years, the focus was on waterways, cultural heritage, and aviation. However, the 2024 competition emphasizes design’s pivotal role in economic transformation. As young designers face rapid technological changes, population growth, and shifting cultural dynamics, they are called upon to create spaces that foster innovation and respond to Africa’s economic challenges.
This year’s competition is open to architecture, interior design, product design, and related fields, encouraging a wide range of participants to offer fresh perspectives on adaptive reuse of industrial spaces. The competition will be judged by an esteemed panel of industry leaders, with a focus on originality, practicality, and the use of cutting-edge technology.
With a top prize of ₦1,500,000, alongside mentorship opportunities, the DWL Students’ Competition provides a platform for students to gain recognition, showcase their skills, and contribute to Africa’s design narrative. We invite all eligible students from across Africa and the diaspora to participate and help shape the future of design and economic growth in Nigeria.
By encouraging innovative design thinking and collaboration, the DWL Students’ Competition remains committed to nurturing young talent and advancing the design profession in Nigeria and beyond. This is a unique opportunity for students to develop impactful solutions that reflect the evolving needs of our society while leaving a lasting legacy in the design industry.
