DPU alumna shortlisted for the W Awards' Moira Gemmill Prize

The impactful work of DPU alumni-founded charity CatalyticAction, responding to the Beirut port blast, has garnered international recognition with alumna Joana Dabaj shortlisted for the W Awards 2024 ‘Moira Gemmill Prize for Emerging Architecture’. 

The W Awards' Moira Gemmill Prize recognises bright future designers under the age of 45 who are leading their own practices. This year’s shortlist includes architects from Lebanon, France, Vietnam and Brazil seeking original and tactical ways to navigate the contexts they work in to create spaces for the local community. 
 
CatalyticAction is a charity that uses design and architecture to empower vulnerable children, youth and their communities. They achieve this through built and research projects, delivered using a participatory approach that engages local communities. 
 
Co-founded in 2015 by DPU Alumni, the charity over the past nine years has implemented over 70 research and built projects, directly engaging with 2400 children and youth. 
 
DPU has partnered with CatalyticAction on multiple research initiatives, facilitating the translation of research outcomes into tangible impact on the ground. This collaboration also offers valuable learning opportunities for DPU students, allowing them to gain practical experience from CatalyticAction's work. 

Joana said: “As a Lebanese woman co-founder of CatalyticAction charity, this award means so much to me as it motivates us to continue in generating a positive impact in the lives of the communities we work with. As part of my journey since founding our charity, my ambition has been to use architecture to give voice and inspire young people and especially girls and women to break unjust social norms and take charge in matters affecting their lives.” 

DPU associates at CatalyticAction

DPU Alumna 

Joana Dabaj, co-founder and Director of Programmes 
Riccardo Luca Conti, Co-founder and Executive Director 
Ignacia Ossul, member of the board of trustees 
Andy Hilton, member of the board of trustees 

DPU professor

Prof. Andrea Rigon, Chair of board of trustees 

Relevant links 

Read more on the award here. 

Access the CatalyticAction 2023 Impact Report here. 

Read the article on CatalyticAction helping young women reimagine the public spaces of Beirut here.

Joana Dabaj is a visiting lecturer of the Social Development Practice and Building and Urban Design in Development​ MSc programmes. Prof. Andrea Rigon is Professor of Participatory Development Planning, and Programme Leader, Social Development Practice MSc.