Hexaflow
Prize(s):
Honorable Mention 2026 ARCHITECTURE / Mixed-Use Building Architecture
School / University Name:Vega School At Emeris
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Angela Georgieva
Professor Name(s):Tiisetso Mofokeng
Project Location:Cape Town, South Africa
Design Status:Concept
Project Description:
Hexaflow is a community-centred water infrastructure concept designed to address the lack of access to safe drinking water in informal settlements and underprivileged rural communities across Africa. The project proposes a hexagonal concrete structure strategically located in underserved areas and schools. At its core, Hexaflow provides free, clean drinking water through an underground borehole system integrated with a filtration process to ensure safe consumption. Beyond water provision, Hexaflow functions as a shaded communal hub. Built-in seating transforms the structure into a space for gathering, resting, social interaction, and eating. The infrastructure also features lighting, creating a safe, illuminated public space that helps to deter crime. The design therefore represents more than a point for water collection but also provides a valuable source of social cohesion and community.
Hexaflow is a community-centred water infrastructure concept designed to address the lack of access to safe drinking water in informal settlements and underprivileged rural communities across Africa. The project proposes a hexagonal concrete structure strategically located in underserved areas and schools. At its core, Hexaflow provides free, clean drinking water through an underground borehole system integrated with a filtration process to ensure safe consumption. Beyond water provision, Hexaflow functions as a shaded communal hub. Built-in seating transforms the structure into a space for gathering, resting, social interaction, and eating. The infrastructure also features lighting, creating a safe, illuminated public space that helps to deter crime. The design therefore represents more than a point for water collection but also provides a valuable source of social cohesion and community.
Project Innovation / Specification:
Hexaflow utilises innovative design to merge sustainable water infrastructure with inclusive public space design. The design integrates borehole filtration, water storage tanks, solar-powered lighting and communal seating into a single modular structure, transforming a water point into a multifunctional social gathering space.
Hexaflow utilises innovative design to merge sustainable water infrastructure with inclusive public space design. The design integrates borehole filtration, water storage tanks, solar-powered lighting and communal seating into a single modular structure, transforming a water point into a multifunctional social gathering space.
Project Sustainability Approach:
Sustainability is embedded into this project at multiple levels, including environmental, social and operational. Hexaflow is designed as a resilient, replicable model for sustainable urban and rural development across Africa. •Solar panels generate clean energy for lighting, reducing reliance on grid electricity and improving safety at nighttime. •Borehole systems and on-site filtration provide a low-maintenance, long term water solution tailored for contexts with water scarcity. •By using durable materials and decentralised units that can be replicated across regions, Hexaflow supports resilient infrastructure while promoting equitable access to essential resources.
Sustainability is embedded into this project at multiple levels, including environmental, social and operational. Hexaflow is designed as a resilient, replicable model for sustainable urban and rural development across Africa. •Solar panels generate clean energy for lighting, reducing reliance on grid electricity and improving safety at nighttime. •Borehole systems and on-site filtration provide a low-maintenance, long term water solution tailored for contexts with water scarcity. •By using durable materials and decentralised units that can be replicated across regions, Hexaflow supports resilient infrastructure while promoting equitable access to essential resources.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
Hexaflow impacts local communities by reducing health risks linked to contaminated water, enhancing safety through solar lighting, and creating a central space for community gathering. The scalable model offers a replicable solution for underserved communities across Africa, supporting sustainable urban development and equitable resource distribution. By combining clean water access with social infrastructure, Hexaflow strengthens community well-being and demonstrates how design can meaningfully improve quality of life.
Hexaflow impacts local communities by reducing health risks linked to contaminated water, enhancing safety through solar lighting, and creating a central space for community gathering. The scalable model offers a replicable solution for underserved communities across Africa, supporting sustainable urban development and equitable resource distribution. By combining clean water access with social infrastructure, Hexaflow strengthens community well-being and demonstrates how design can meaningfully improve quality of life.
