ASA Design Ltd

ASA, short for Active Social Architecture, represents the belief and commitment to the social value of architecture. The young practice, based in Kigali, Rwanda, is the first step of a collaborative network aimed at bringing together a multidisciplinary team across different fields and continents. Among our clients are organizations such as local and international NGO's, social enterprises, UN agencies focused on both local and global communities. ASA works in close collaboration with all of them to achieve quality and excellence in architecture and design, concentrating on elements that improve people's livelihoods, strengthen and empower communities and their sense of identity. Projects and built works reflect ASA's belief in the richness and complexity of schemes drawn from, and responding to, the specificities of sites, programs and users bringing innovation through spatial composition, and the adaptive use of local materials and techniques. Architecture is understood as a creative means to problem solving, providing cost effective solutions that are attractive, affordable and improve upon the existing environment. Design is approached in a holistic manner and seeks to add value to community-based projects both in Rwanda and abroad. In order to have a strong base developed, each and every project is rooted on a research by design, based in findings that come up from the same communities, the vernacular architecture and an intense research of precedents and context. The ensuing process is a constant interaction of stakeholders' participation, architectural practice and research.