In October 2003, the Municipality of Port-Louis launched an international ideas competition, open, in a single stage, for the design of a masterplan for the urban development of the city.

In conformity with the UNESCO-UIA regulations for international competitions in architecture and town planning, this competition was approved by the International Union of Architects (UIA).

Situated in a horse-shoe shaped enclave formed by a range of mountains that gives onto the sea, the city of Port Louis is confronted today by problems related to development, traffic congestion and the deterioration of its heritage. Furthermore, the expansion of the port and free port have a considerable influence on the growth of the city.

The aim of the competition was to obtain a coherent and harmonious urban development plan for Port-Louis. This masterplan was to address, amongst other things, the urban insertion of two specific sites in the area to be developed: the old barracks and Victoria Station; the Northern Station.

The international jury placed under the presidency of Ashok Bhalotra, architect and Planner (The Netherlands), representing the UIA, was composed as follows:

• Peter Droege, Urban designer, Professor, School of architecture and the built environment, University of Newcastle (Australia)
• Wafaa Hammoud, architect and urban designer (Lebanon)
• Ariel Iglesias, architect-town planner, under-secretary for planning and development, Municipality of La Plata (Argentina)
• Berzil Ozalp, city Planning expert (Turkey)
• Hirendranath Rambhojun, chief architect, Ministry of Public Infrastructure (Mauritius)
• Vijaya Lakami Saha, town planning experts chief technical officer, Ministry of housing and Lands (Mauritius)
• Mammood Sairally, architect and town planner CPA (Germany - Mauritius) Member of the Academy of Architecture, France

et de deux membres suppléants :
• Thierry de Commarmond, architect (Mauritius)
• Robert Meek, architect and urban designer (South Africa), representing UIA

The jury met from 21 to 23 September 2004 to examine the 34 projects submitted. The jury appreciated the diversity of the responses that demonstrate the interest and the professionalism of their authors. Following their deliberations, the members of the jury suggested that a team composed of local representatives, experts and community members pursue the urban planning development strategy. The jury recommended that a set of specific planning principles be established putting the emphasis on integrating the eastern and western port areas in the city centre, to defining public and green spaces and to securing generous public access to the foreshore and sea-front.

The jury awarded one prize and three mentions:

Jean François Adam (Mauritius), Piet Louw et Dave Dewar (South Africa)

This project is a coherent and imaginative response that situates Port-Louis in the context of the island, on both regional and local levels. It presents lucid and clear ideas focused on the essential, efficient solutions. Rather than introducing radically new concepts and solutions aggressive to the environment, the proposals are pragmatic, economical and dynamic.
(Extract from the jury citation)


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