PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
2007 AMD OPEN ARCHITECTURE CHALLENGE | AFRICA
SIDAREC - Media Lab and Library
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Overall Site Plan
This site is designed to serve the community as an oasis for learning, technology, gathering and play.
The entrance at the street end of the site is framed by a new gate that symbolizes SIDAREC’s four pillars. Adjacent to the entry gate will be a small amphitheater with stage and pergola to host drama competitions and presentations and also provide a unique play area for children. The center of the site is maintained as open space for football (soccer) and other activities. An indigenous tree will be planted in the open courtyard between the new and existing buildings as a focal point and a shady spot for play and outdoor gatherings; both planned an impromptu.
The new two story facility with an additional studio level has a relatively small footprint in order to maximize outdoor open space. The vertical design rises above the surrounding slums as a beacon of hope for the future. Its design provides inviting multi-use functionality that is adaptable to a variety of activities.
The front elevation provides a stepped roof and open air stair towers at either end. The porch is an inviting area for visitors and softens the exterior shape. Windows are placed high on the first floor to provide more wall space for the library and added security. The second floor daycare also has high mounted windows in the front elevation. Building materials are drawn from what is available in the area, and natural light is employed to provide a health atmosphere for work and play, as well as for energy efficiency.
The exterior is further enhanced by two original murals, created by the design team, that depict Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife, invoking pride in the past while the building’s interior serves as a gateway to the future. This original artwork is inspired by the African landscape and traditional local jewelry.
Our goal was to design an efficient and sustainable building invoking elements of regional architecture. The inviting porch and outdoor café area beckon people to the facility to experience a variety of activities.
First Floor – Internet Café, Computer Classroom, Library, Administration
The porch area identifies the entrance and serves as overflow for the internet café on warm days and nights by creating an open air affect.
A reception area channels visitors through children’s artwork and announcements of upcoming events.
The main open area on the first floor offers an Internet café with 15 kiosks with monitors and keyboards mounted to vertical poles. This provides security without sacrificing appearance and accommodates multiple viewers at a single computer. Printing and photocopying services are available in this area.
A large screen TV/Monitor, mounted on a vertical pole for elevated viewing, provides local news or SIDAREC informational videos. Tables and chairs in the center of the room provide seating for Cafe patrons or laptop users. A counter can be used for serving drinks and snacks or other merchandise.
The computer classroom accommodates 20 people at 10 work stations with additional perimeter seating. The classroom can be adapted from group computer training and other instructional uses to general meeting space for the community.
The computer classroom and the library are arranged to function as two distinct areas, but each can provide overflow for the other when needed by moving a partitioning screen or bookcase on wheels. The library is furnished with multipurpose built-in bookcases whose lower shelves can serve as reading tables or as seats when crowded. High windows bring in natural light without sacrificing wall space for additional bookshelves. This is an ideal location for reading, quiet study and homework for older children.
The administrative area on the first floor employs an open design. Restroom facilities are located nearby.
Second Floor – Daycare, Administration
The daycare center, located on the second floor, is designed as a large open area conducive to group play for younger children. Play equipment, chairs and desks may be stored along the perimeter allowing the center of the room to be an open play area. A large secure storage room is provided on this level.
One wall in the daycare will be decorated by the local children by adding their colorful (painted) handprints on the wall. This could become an annual event as the children grow and reach higher on the wall, or as new children join the center.
The second floor administration area is designed to provide private workspace, file storage, and administrative computers and equipment. Computer training can also take place in this area as well as a more private internet café for the administration. A portion of the administrative space would function as a conference room. Male and female restrooms are also provided in this area.
Studio Floor – Radio Studio, Recording Room
The third floor, with half the floor space as the lower floors, is devoted to the broadcasting studio and production room. The highest point of the building is a natural placement for the broadcast station. With its view of the playing field and courtyard, perhaps the radio station may broadcast a live sporting event or other competition in the future.
The studio room is separated from the production and equipment room by an attenuated wall to eliminate background noise and distraction. A glass panel between the two rooms allows for easy monitoring of activities by broadcasters and technicians during production.
Technology
Wireless Broadband Network – Wireless broadband Internet service will be available both indoors and outdoors via a microwave link to an Internet service provider in Nairobi. The small microwave dish will be mounted on the top of the exterior of the new facility at an optimum point for uninterrupted service. A computer in the administrative area serves as the gateway/router.
Wireless nodes will be installed at the ceiling level on each floor in the Internet Café, Library, Administration space and Broadcast Studio. An outdoor wireless unit with lightning protection will be added to the back of the microwave dish at its elevated location.
Backup Power – We suggest installation of a small battery backup unit(s) in the radio recording room. (gel-type batteries do not release caustic vapors.) This unit would be capable of supplying the broadcast studio transmission equipment and emergency lighting.
Sustainability
We went to great lengths to create an environmentally friendly design, taking advantage of natural lighting and materials that are available in the region. We’ve included a rainwater harvesting and recycling system that collects runoff in barrels for use in toilets and for other cleaning purposes.
Our research indicated the Africa Wind Energy Association has suppliers in Nairobi who could install a supplemental source of electricity. The site allows for a tower that could support a wind powered generator capable of supporting many functions in the facility.
Financing
To sustain the facility, we encourage SIDAREC to develop outlets for newly developed computer skills. There are free open source drawing packages, such as Tux Paint (http://www.tuxpaint.org/ ) allow children to use their new computer skills to create art depicting Kenya’s natural beauty, native animals or whatever they like. Completed designs can be forwarded to a manufacturer who would print the designs on merchandise like men’s ties, women’s scarves, coffee mugs etc. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise would be distributed electronically to the SIDAREC account to cover maintenance costs as well as provide a small payment to the artists’ families.
Not only would this venture produce funds to sustain operations, but it is also a great teaching tool in computer usage and graphic design, career preparation, entrepreneurship, and global trade.
Construction Materials:
• Poured concrete floor slab (First Floor), wood framing and wood deck (Second and Studio floors)
• Concrete block foundation walls, with concrete spread footings
• Concrete block exterior walls either painted, or with stucco applied on the exterior (various bold colors).
• The gable ends will be wood framed with wood siding.
• Wood flooring
• Wood roof framing (stick-framed or trusses/exposed wherever possible).
• Stair Towers with corrugated plastic material (translucent)
• Corrugated metal roof (heavy gauge)
• The horizontal bands between floors on the exterior will be painted wood.
• PVC piping for all cable runs. Electrical outlets along the perimeter of rooms with cords connected to desks for computer connectivity. This would allow for desks to be moved during non-computer related sessions.
