In a world where architecture is often seen as a static, aesthetic endeavor, Sangji Han emerges as a visionary who challenges this notion by integrating sustainability with social responsibility. Han, a recent graduate of the Yale School of Architecture, has garnered significant attention for her innovative approach to architecture, culminating in an honorable mention at the prestigious YAC University Awards for her work on the Ganvie Light Tower project.
A Vision Born from Immersion
The Ganvie Light Tower project began not in the confines of a classroom but in the heart of Ganvie, a village in Benin famously known as the “Venice of Africa.” This unique village, home to approximately 20,000 people, is built on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoué. Han’s inspiration for the project was deeply rooted in her immersive experience during a site visit to the lake. Venturing into the village during the night, Han observed the challenges faced by the residents and engaged in interviews with them. These conversations revealed the community’s pressing need for sustainable infrastructure that could enhance their daily lives without disrupting their unique way of life.
Guided by these observations and the insights gained from the local residents, Han envisioned a solution that would not only address the immediate needs of the community but also foster long-term sustainability. The Ganvie Light Tower was conceived as an infrastructure system that converts organic waste into biogas and light, creating a self-sustaining network that provides essential resources like biogas, toilets, and a central light tower that serves as the community’s hub of activity.
Photo Courtesy: Sangji Han, Tian Xu
The Influence of a Master Architect
As Han developed her concept, she found mentorship in Francis Kéré, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect renowned for his work in socially responsible design. Kéré’s guidance was instrumental in shaping the project’s direction. “For what” the project serves was a mantra Kéré instilled in Han, urging her to always consider the impact of her work on the lives of the local residents. This emphasis on purpose and social responsibility became the driving force behind the project, ensuring that every design decision was made with the community’s well-being in mind.
Kéré’s influence also encouraged Han to continue refining the project beyond the initial concept stage. Recognizing the powerful and direct relationship the project had with the lives of the Ganvie residents, Han and her team constructed a 1:5 scale prototype to demonstrate the building technology and effectiveness of the structure. This prototype was created with limited technology and tools, reflecting the real-world conditions in which the project would be implemented. The materials used—bamboo, corrugated metal sheets, bricks, concrete, wire, and string—were all locally grown or available, ensuring that the project was both sustainable and feasible for the community to maintain.
Photo Courtesy: Sangji Han, Tian Xu
Architecture as a Living Narrative
Sangji Han’s approach to architecture is deeply philosophical, viewing it as a narrative that interacts with people and evolves over time within its context. For Han, architecture is not merely a static object; it is a system and organization that responds to societal needs and grows with time. This belief is evident in the Ganvie Light Tower project, which transcends traditional architectural boundaries to propose a neighborhood-scale infrastructure applicable to multiple locations within Ganvie.
Han’s other projects, such as the Gowanus Water Palace and the Fair Haven Latch-Art Community Center extension, further illustrate her commitment to this approach. In each of these projects, Han carefully considers the complex layers of existing conditions, crafting solutions that are not only functional but also deeply integrated with their contexts. Her work demonstrates a clear understanding that architecture must engage with its environment on multiple levels—socially, environmentally, and temporally—to create meaningful and lasting impact.
Photo Courtesy: Sangji Han, Tian Xu
Recognition and Future Prospects
The YAC (Young Architects Competitions), the organization behind the award, is renowned in the architectural world for its rigorous and highly competitive awards. Recognized globally, YAC promotes architectural excellence by challenging young designers to engage in complex, real-world projects that push the boundaries of innovation.
The honorable mention at the YAC University Awards is a testament to Han’s innovative approach and her ability to merge advanced architectural techniques with a profound understanding of local needs. This recognition places her at the forefront of a new generation of architects who are dedicated to creating sustainable, community-focused solutions that address the challenges of the modern world.
Looking ahead, Sangji Han’s work on the Ganvie Light Tower serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for architecture to effect positive change. By focusing on the needs of the community and leveraging local resources, Han has not only provided a solution to the immediate challenges faced by the residents of Ganvie but has also set a precedent for future projects that aim to integrate sustainability with social responsibility.
As she continues to develop her career, Han remains committed to the belief that architecture is a living narrative—one that must evolve with time and context, responding to the ever-changing needs of the communities it serves. Her work is a beacon of hope for those who envision a future where architecture is not just about building structures, but about building better lives.
Sangji Han regularly shares insights and updates on her architectural projects through her Instagram account, @Sangji__han. This platform showcases her approach to design, emphasizing her belief that architecture is a dynamic narrative that interacts with people and evolves over time.
For more information on the YAC University Awards and to explore the work of other talented architects, visit YAC University Awards.
Published by: Holy Minoza
