PR199 Innovative Practice Ellen Degeneres 2024

Lessons learned Key aspects which were key in delivering impact included: ըTaking a “purpose-built” approach that considers how an organization can make systemic change and align the design to support the mission through a comprehensive feasibility study. ըEarly financial planning and thorough capital pre- paredness assessments to ensure financial sus- tainability throughout a project’s duration and joint fundraising efforts diversified funding sources and increased support. ըClose collaborative relationships and shared align- ment with partners about the project’s goals and intended impact from the beginning. Similarly, pro- moting meaningful engagement with local communi- ties to build trust and support. ըDefining and measuring impact through ongoing eval- uations. MASS Design Group conducted three sur- veys of construction workers throughout the project, including one survey a year after opening. In a survey conducted after construction was completed, 85% of workers reported sustained and increased incomes. To maintain a learning cycle across all projects, MASS developed, implemented and continues to use a meas- urement framework that evaluates mission-driven impact, as well as indirect impact related to environ- ment, education, equity, economy and emotion. The most significant challenge arose after the project started construction in late 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused supply chain limitations, delays and cost increases, which required the project stakeholders to raise additional funds to complete the project. Sourcing sustainable, low-carbon, affordable solu- tions in the region was not easy and required creative thinking. Finding a more sustainable/low-carbon struc- tural system available in the region for this scale of building was challenging. Hence, the project needed to rely on steel and reinforced concrete for the main build- ings. The project aimed to offset the use of materials through innovative, sustainable design solutions. Next steps This project was developed as a first step for many initiatives: ըThe Government of Rwanda is using this research to pilot their ambitious plan to expand Volcanoes National Park, setting new precedents for conserva- tion efforts globally. This will invest in the richness of this biodiversity, reclaim agricultural lands and reduce the overlap between human and gorilla terri- tories so they can thrive. ըThe project partners are exploring other opportuni- ties to collaborate to support conservation efforts in East Africa and beyond. ըLearnings from this and other related projects, if funding is made available, would be published to help inform others. Read more Explore more studies in the full publication: Innovative Practice Read the Eight criteria for a high-quality Baukultur: The Davos Baukultur Quality System Keep up to date with the alliance: davosalliance.org Cover image and opposite: Iwan Baan