Overview
Pequena África (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is a place of singular grandeur, where culture, memory, and resistance intertwine in every path and every narrative. This territory has become a stronghold of Afro-Brazilian heritage, serving as a key reference in shaping Brazilian identity. To enhance its visibility, the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) is launching the BNDES Pequena África Competition, both nationally and internationally. This is a historic opportunity for recognition and restitution, ensuring that the memory of the Brazilian people’s formation is preserved and celebrated.
Why You Should Participate
The competition presents a unique chance for architects and urban planners to contribute to the visual identity of a Territory Museum in Pequena África. Participants will engage in the integration of historical landmarks and significant routes through architectural, urban planning, landscaping, and urban furniture interventions. Additionally, proposals should create a visual and sensory connection that highlights the presence of African and Afro-Brazilian culture in public spaces.
This competition is an opportunity to:
- Celebrate and preserve Afro-Brazilian heritage.
- Gain recognition on a national and international level.
- Compete for significant cash prizes and public recognition.
- Contribute to the cultural and social development of Pequena África.
Key Highlights
- Open to national and international participants.
- Each team must be led by a Black architect and/or urban planner.
- Proposals will be evaluated by a multidisciplinary panel of experts in architecture, Black culture, heritage, sociology, arts, and the creative economy.
- Selection criteria include connection to local history, social impact, innovation, and feasibility.
Entry Fees
Participation in the competition is free of charge.
Prizes and Recognition
The competition offers a total prize fund of R$130,000, distributed as follows:
| Rank | Prize Money | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | R$ 78,000 | Certificate of participation + Public disclosure |
| 2nd Place | R$ 39,000 | Certificate of participation + Public disclosure |
| 3rd Place | R$ 13,000 | Certificate of participation + Public disclosure |
| Honorable Mentions | – | Certificate of participation + Public disclosure |
Submission Details
- Proposals must include detailed visual identity plans integrating architectural and urban planning solutions.
- All proposals must align with the goal of enhancing Afro-Brazilian cultural presence in public spaces.
- Submissions will be evaluated based on historical relevance, social impact, innovation, and feasibility.
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 21, 2025 | Publication of Notice and Reference Materials |
| March 21 – April 18, 2025 | Registration Period |
| Until April 10, 2025 | Request for Clarifications on the Notice and Annexes |
| April 24-25, 2025 | Heteroidentification Boards |
| Until April 17, 2025 | Deadline for Responding to Clarifications |
| April 25-28, 2025 | Period for Appeals on Qualification and Heteroidentification |
| April 29, 2025 | Acceptance of Applications |
| May 15, 2025 | Deadline for Submission of Proposals |
| May 16-30, 2025 | Proposal Judging Period |
| June 4, 2025 | Preliminary Result |
| June 5-6, 2025 | Period for Appeals on the Judgment of Proposals |
| Until June 25, 2025 | Approval of the Result |
| Until August 1, 2025 | Payment of Prizes |
How to Join
To register, complete the application form available in the Competition Notice.
Words from the Organizer
*”Little Africa is a territory of memory and resistance, a space where the history of Brazil pulsates at every corner, intertwining the past, present, and future. Valuing this heritage and projecting it for future generations is a commitment that goes beyond historical recovery—it is a fundamental step towards reparation and the social and economic development of the country.
The BNDES Pequena África Competition, as part of the structuring of this Cultural District, represents a transformative initiative that combines innovation, culture, and inclusion to strengthen the identity of this unique region. More than just an architectural purpose, this competition contributes to the construction of a living museum, where urban space becomes the collection and the local community its main protagonist.
At BNDES, we believe that culture and development go hand in hand. Supporting initiatives like this reaffirms our commitment to a fairer Brazil that values its diversity. The future of the country depends on recognizing its history—and Little Africa has a lot to teach us.
To all teams that accept this challenge, I wish you inspiration and sensitivity to transform ideas into a legacy. Brazil must look closely at its past to design a more inclusive and powerful future.”*
— Aloizio Mercadante, President of BNDES
