Open Architecture Network

The structure is good but doesn't have descriptions of the facilities or where these will be located physically. The project description also lacks the kind of materials to be used.

George Onyango

The slums of Nairobi are a destitute place,
Lacking an inherent structure,
Scattered fragments of a shattered universe;
Is it wrong to want better?

Design is about more than providing services outlined in a program; it is about looking into the roots of a problem, and finding a solution. A solution which provides a sense of ownership, through its adaptability by its users; a connection point, both within the community, and between the community and the world; and as a means of achieving potential, of providing people with the resources with which they can educate themselves.

We seek a simple, bold vision.
A vision to educate, to empower, to realize…

Inspiration arose from context. Rows upon rows of rectangular roof lines envelop the site. Here, two simple rectangular buildings sit, similar in shape and materiality to their surroundings. Subtly, one unifying circle intersects through them, composing the main gathering and focal point of the site. This continuous shape runs both within the buildings and through the exterior, merging the outdoors and indoors, blurring the line between the two. With focusing on a relatively small building footprint, the outdoor areas are expanded, allowing various activities to transpire. Ultimately, sometimes all that matters in life is having access to clean water and a soccer ball.

Bonded to its context in materiality and shape,
The elements for change exist, ready to achieve their full potential.
A constant,
An anchor point around which to educate, communicate and grow.

The site holds a history as important to its users as its future to come. Incorporating the new with the old establishes the recognition of how we can work together to take what exists and help it achieve its full potential. Salvaging and re-using existing materials from the site becomes integral to the design. Upon entering, you cross the ditch on a bridge comprised of the previous gate and trusses found on the site. The north building is constructed using the existing block wall on the north-west side, and the roofs assembled with the corrugated steel used from the walls of the existing hall. Most of the other materials used are easily available and simple to construct, in order to include the community in the building process. Mud blocks mixed with lime and cement are the basis of the structures with wood slats on the upper areas of the walls. Natural elements are incorporated into the site as well. The east side of the site is lined with a security fence, surrounded by tall grass to make the barrier more welcoming. Three Jacaranda trees mark the pathway against the existing wall and into the site.

The front facade of either building has been left intentionally blank. They serve as an area that can be used as a graffiti wall displaying local artistic ability, or as a community message board. Having the front facade being continually adaptable allows the users to constantly reshape their environment; assisting them in establishing a sense of ownership of the community center. This changing appearance enables SIDAREC to evolve with its surroundings.

It sits strong, silent and still. Or does it?
Built with your hands, occupied with your bodies, energy flowing through it,
It becomes dynamic, it belongs to you.

Perched above the two main buildings is the radio station, visible from the street, to act as a beacon for the education centre. By being raised a storey, the broadcasters have a better view of the entire SIDAREC site. Revealed to them is a smaller play area on the east, stepping down to a theatrical gathering space in the center and down once more to a larger play area to the west. The broadcasters can observe a greater perspective of the area in general, therefore serving as a connection point for the people within the site, and for the entire community.

A processional unfolds and opens up, revealing its secret:
A unified space.
Symbolic to a community as rich and diverse as the bloodlines of this country.

Walking through the threshold formed by the radio station, the site opens up before you to reveal the main focus within the site: a continuous, communal area, which intersects the buildings, allowing you to view and be viewed. The circular stage steps down to a separate level between the front and back play areas of the site. Not only do these steps provide seating, with views of the interior as well as the back play area, but the platform acts as a stage for performances. The walls intersecting the circle are a folding curtain wall system, which can completely, or partially, fold up. The adaptability of these walls enables the outdoor space and the interiors of either building to expand or contract, to create any type of space required. The configuration of the circle amongst the buildings, and its malleability creates a space that ties the entire site together.

The void defines the mass, and becomes:
A threshold space:
Between global and local.
Between public and private.
Between inner awareness and a collective voice.

Almost sacred.

The two buildings contain all of the services required to provide Makuru Kwa Njenga with a flexible learning environment. The north building houses an open concept library and classroom with access to the radio station. The space is separated by a foldable screen and includes such features as desks designed to lock in computers and a projection screen. The south building contains an administration area, internet café, kitchen and day care. A back walkway is created in the space between the south building, and the south edge of the site. This space acts as a secondary pedestrian route when events are occurring on the central stage, along with providing service access for the kitchen, entry to the bathrooms, and an area for the payphones, composting and water collection storage. The flexibility of these spaces allow the users to take ownership of their environment, the connections between the areas allow the community to strengthen, and the services provided give the users the resources needed to empower themselves.

Sustainable features are incorporated into the design such as solar panels held by the large surface area on the roofs, which are able to generate at least half of the required power for the centre. Clerestory windows and open wood slats used on the upper walls achieve a means for day-lighting and passive ventilation, which assist in a reduced amount of power needed for lighting and cooling the buildings. Rain water is collected from the roof run off and filtered and stored as usable water for the site users. As well, waste from the kitchen can be composted in a designated area to reduce the amount of garbage build up and aid in the fertilization of the grounds around the site.

How do you go about designing a building meant to provide hope in an area of the world portrayed as shattered and fragmented? How do you inspire to create a design that could make a difference? We seek a simple, bold vision. A vision that relies mostly on existing material, and simple technology. One that seeks to strengthen a community through a design that can instill communal pride; one that makes connections with the world at large, and one that provides a means to empower people by helping them gain knowledge on how to use their resources.

Community problems do indeed need community solutions.
Through design, through technology, through education,
A community becomes global, and the entire world local.