Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
FIFA FOOTBALLS FOR HOPE: STREET FOOTBALL ALLIANCE, 20 CENTRE FOR 2010

The site is leftover space wedged to the south of colonial working class Hostels for immigrant colonial labourers of Mbare Township. To the North and east of the site are busy roads. To the west it is bounded by a road and beyond Rufaro Soccer Stadium; again a historical open leftover space formerly used as sports grounds by the male only labourers. This was gradually built up to a formal stadium. Because of its history, the stadium became an emotional and traditional home of football for the working class population of whole country. It is currently benefiting from a FIFA artificial turf. Today the hostels are overcrowded homes of families whose children lack safe and healthy play spaces.

The site in question is a multi purpose open space. A node along a strong pedestrian route linking the Northern areas of the city, the city centre to Mbare market, the rural-urban terminus, the rest of the township and residential areas farther. Thus it is a natural scene of temporal markets, informal and community social sports and children play area.

The design uses the human marks and scars of movement and habitation in the landscape; strengthening and structuring spaces with a primary armature of parallel serpentine double height brick walls; the first mark to structure the open space. The parallel walls become a bazaar to be used as a market. Behind the wall to the east would be the soccer pitch. Parts of the walls constitute habitable spaces and ancillary spaces for the centre both at ground and upper floors.

For this project, only the soccer pitch side would be roofed with metal sheeting. In the long term, the bazaar would be roofed. A similar structure would be at right angles to primary one thus containing the soccer pith. Seating would be of timber boarding along parts of the walls under the roof. Office spaces and the cyber café would be situated on the first floor.

Estimated cost US$75 000