Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Harnessing the success of SIDAREC’s Pumwani location, the SIDAREC YOUTH CENTER & MEDIA LAB in the Mukuru Kwa Njenga slum settlement is in many ways an armature for potential. Growth, knowledge, interaction, skills, health and security are all emphasized and bolstered through strategic spatial and programmatic organization embedded in this vibrant place. Encouraging myriad purpose and activity, the proposed design comprises both fixed and flexible spaces that are adaptable for all users at all times during the day or season. An open and light structural pipe system enables a basket scrim to wrap around program volumes encased in a low-tech mix of insulated panels and concrete block and sealed from varying weather-related nuisances like dust and water. This structural scrim, also known as the utility basket, can support large and small scale methods of broadcast – from heavy satellite, wi-fi, and radio transmission equipment to energy-harnessing windmill devices, solar panels and back-up power generators; from artistic expression and sport team fanfare to local community postings. Ultimately durability is gained through the composite nature of the deployed constructional strategy.

Programmatically, the Center encourages community gathering through sports, spectating, community garden maintenance and time spent at the internet café. This income-generating meeting space is centrally located amongst both outdoor and sheltered flex-spaces and relies on the generation of home-grown fruits and vegetables from the community garden. By raising the health clinic, daycare center, radio station studios and media lab (and all vulnerable technology equipment), we created a covered flex-space and established a new datum of program, activity and respite that is safe from the threat of floods. As their motto reads, “An amplified voice for the voiceless”, Ghetto 99.9 FM is housed in the Center’s tower zone enabling a constant watch and direct communication with their greater audience. Comfort is achieved through passive methods of temperature regulation. Operable and transparent ventilation panels are plentiful throughout all enclosed volumes enabling light to filter in and hot air to be drawn out through a solar chimney in the Center’s tower zone. Additionally, the strategically shaped roof catches and directs rainwater run off into collection tanks for future gray-water use and composting toilets use little resources and produce fertile soil for the community garden.