In 2019, the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) launched an international design competition that sought innovative urban and architectural design consultants to further develop the masterplan for the 600-hectare Kinyinya Hill area - which will become The Green City Kigali - as well as the development of a detailed design for the 16-hectare first phase affordable housing project.

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios) were announced as the winners of the design competition immediately prior to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that was held in Kigali in June 2022. The team led-by FCBStudios was one of a five-strong shortlist invited to participate in the design competition phase, which also included Allies and Morrison LLP; Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners); Ove Arup & Partners International; and Surbana Jurong Consultants Pte. Ltd.

In selecting FCBStudios, the practice’s international reputation for design quality and for pioneering environmental issues in architecture was recognised, together with their wide-ranging experience in designing for education, housing, workplace, and master planning. The practice is committed to social and humanistic values, and believe excellence in design can facilitate change, improvement, and transformation in society.

The Green City Kigali seeks to address the main challenges faced by the housing market in Kigali: housing affordability, housing supply and urban sprawl linked with larger sustainability issues such as climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resource efficiency.

The ambitious project aims to establish new standards for sustainable urban development that can be used as blueprint for replication in Rwanda and beyond.