November is the month for celebrating and showcasing every firm and project that was victorious at the inaugural SCAPE Award of Excellence. These names are raising the bar for excellence in the local architecture and design industry, standing on a stage set for international acclaim. In partnership with Infinity Surfaces and alongside our Impact Partner Oggie, we present the top firms and portfolios in the country for 2024. Introducing the Winner of African Build of the Year: APC
In Tanzania’s remote Ngabobo Village, located just three degrees south of the equator, a transformative educational vision has emerged against the backdrops of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. As local Meru and Maasai communities transition from semi-nomadic herding to settled agricultural life, the need for an innovative learning environment becomes increasingly important.
Patterns of design
Architectural Pioneering Consultants (APC) and Wolfgang Rossbauer have reimagined education through the design of the Simba Vision Montessori School, nurturing cultural resonance and ecological sensitivity.
Initiated in 2019 by Africa Amini Alama, a local NGO, the project aimed to expand an existing school into a comprehensive Montessori campus. Collaborating with the Arthur Waser Foundation, APC employed a pioneering ‘design instrument’ aligned with Montessori principles — a teaching method that emphasises hands-on learning. Drawing on Montessori patterns, 28 spatial concepts were developed to ensure that every aspect of the campus reflects Maasai culture and the local ecological context.


The team adhered to three guiding principles for constructing the school: materials were used sparingly, sourced locally, and all assembly took place on-site. The school utilises locally sourced volcanic rock and sand for block construction, incorporating only 10% cement to minimise environmental impact. Traditional building techniques, such as straw and mud cladding, enhance interior acoustics and thermal comfort. The steel roof harvests rainwater and provides shade, utilising the region’s mild climate for passive cooling.
“It is a great example that budget is not the biggest concern when achieving innovative spaces and beautiful structures. It is most valuable that the architect developed a complete contracting and work process from scratch and engaged the community in every step, allowing new skills to be passed onto them. The 45-degree rotation of the interior walls created dynamic spaces for learning and bonding for the children. The wooden ceiling is not only functional but also softens the overall aesthetic. The overall structure integrates perfectly with the surroundings and is not intrusive.” – Yoko Choy, China Editor for Wallpaper Magazine
Learning landscapes unfold
The layout of the school features two parallel buildings aligned north-south, creating a welcoming central courtyard with a sunken amphitheatre that can accommodate up to 100 students. This space builds social interaction and serves as a venue for community gatherings, storytelling, and performances.
Inside, classrooms are thoughtfully designed with 45-degree angled walls that create distinct learning areas, promoting collaborative work and interaction. The rooms are aligned like pearls on a string, eliminating the need for traditional corridors. Unique for the area, the building expands over multiple storeys. Steps between different levels are designed for sitting, playing, and working, transforming entrance halls and staircases into versatile spaces for social interaction and learning.


Cultivating community legacy
Managed by students and teachers, the on-site farm teaches practical skills in sustainable farming while reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship. Wall fountains provide potable water close to learning spaces for easy access. The absence of fenced perimeters creates an open campus, inviting community members to participate in school activities and fostering a sense of shared ownership. The community was engaged throughout the process, from village elders to schoolchildren gathering river stones for paving materials.
The Simba Vision Montessori Campus represents a possible direction for the future of education. The architectural proposal avoids complex technological solutions; instead, it is the spatial arrangement itself that encourages learners to observe and engage with their outdoor context. APC has crafted a model that not only educates but instils pride and responsibility in the next generation, empowering them to navigate the complexities of a changing world while honouring their local and cultural heritage.
This article is an extract from our November issue. Read the full issue here.