IRZ
Innovation & Research
Design a research park, lab, or fabrication space that reflects Sierra Leonean material culture or craft traditions.
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Felei TechCity / Design Week Freetown 2026
A live call for young architects, architecture students, designers, and creatives to imagine phase one of Felei TechCity through the lens of heritage, technology, and the future city.
The Brief
Felei TechCity is Sierra Leone's special economic zone for technology, with a planned smart city, its own building code, zoned districts, sustainability targets, digital infrastructure mandates, and an EV-dominant mobility system.
The call asks for a design for phase one of the city across the first 15 acres at the frontage, drawing together multiple zones into one public-facing first move. The work should be grounded in the actual zoning rules and wider vision of the city while carrying Sierra Leone's cultural identity into its architecture, public space, and future systems.
Theme
Design Scope
The first phase should feel like a real slice of the larger city vision, not five disconnected objects.
IRZ
Design a research park, lab, or fabrication space that reflects Sierra Leonean material culture or craft traditions.
CCZ
Imagine a civic plaza and mixed-use space that carries Sierra Leonean architectural heritage into a modern era, with room for gathering, play, ecology, and memory.
KEZ
Create a learning space where storytelling, research and development, digital learning, design workshops, and fabrication can live together.
GTZ
Shape the point where the outside world meets Felei TechCity's EV-dominant mobility system, from entry sequences to transit, walkways, control points, and charging.
RZ
Propose an inclusive neighbourhood block with housing, courtyards, and shared spaces rooted in how Sierra Leoneans live together.
Timeline
Shortlisted entrants will pitch live on Day 3 in front of architectural, engineering, and city-building leaders.
Submission deadline
Shortlist announced
Live pitch
On Day 3, shortlisted entrants pitch live for three minutes each. The winning concept receives a cash prize and will be incorporated into the Felei TechCity masterplan with full credit to the designer.
Why It Matters
Felei TechCity has moved from concept to implementation. This call opens a rare public door for young Sierra Leonean designers and innovators.
A rare chance to shape a real smart-city development while it is still being built.
The winning design receives a cash prize and full credit in the city masterplan.
Shortlisted designers pitch live to architectural, engineering, and city-building leaders.
Submit
Use the application form to submit your concept, and use the brief pack link to review the building code, zoning map, and reference materials first.
Questions can be sent to info@feleitechcity.gov.sl.