Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
By elevating the main community functions of the program for maximum visual impact, this scheme seeks to create an instantly identifiable community marker within the informal planning context of Mukuru Kwa Njenga. The groundscape is considered as a modeled surface of walls, ramps and depressions – providing areas for meeting, performance and play. In addition the landscape forms the structural support and access for the building elements.

The architectural expression is of positive and robust tectonic forms wrapped in vibrantly coloured and textured scrim netting. The netting provides a unique visual language of aperture and vivid colour that is economic, easy to install and easy to maintain. The outline of the net would be tailored to fit snugly over the building before being pulled taught whilst the pattern would be designed to provide the optimum level of solar shading. The net could be further configured to carry large scale graphics specific to SIDAREC and the community radio station. The construction would be of timber frame, with the walls of the building constructed as plywood monocoque beams

The layout on the site is informal to encourage a range of use and appropriation by different community groups. Indigenous planting is used to further demarcate the landscape into areas of varying scale and outlook. This informality is extended to the layout of the main building where a open plan and cellular space is combined with ad hoc arrangements of openings and balconies to allow for a range of simultaneous uses and maximum flexibility.

The community radio station is built from massive earth walls to provide acoustic separation and forms the gateway for the site. A mast is located at one corner of the station and houses all transmission equipment for the community wireless network and radio in three boldly coloured and lit beacons at its top that double as a uniquely visible beacon above the low lying context.