MAKE DESIGN MATTER NOVEMBER TALK - Pavilions for Okana
PAVILIONS FOR OKANA is a Design & Build Project and an interdisciplinary challenge by Laura Katharina Straehle & Ellen Rouwendal who designed the building during their studies at Delf University of Technology.
The design idea for the pilot pavilion for public use in East-Africa is inspired by the local Acacia Tree. It is a popular meeting point for all rural community members to chat and discuss. Underneath the tree people find a shaded place to hide from the bright sun or protection from heavy rains during the rainy season.
The culture of the community to gather under trees has been translated into an architectural roofscape resulting in a pilot building principle suitable to be applied in other locations than Okana and able to be modified with individual spaces underneath. Important requirements for the roof are to catch water and collect sun while providing naturally ventilated and flexible spaces inside. The pilot pavilion has to be able to house a lot of different functions for its use in varying contexts in East-Africa.
The first pilot building is the community centre Okana - Centre for Change, consisting of six pavilions. The centre offers ICT facilities for basic skills, a library with school and leisure books, office space for the NGO Sustainable Rural Initiatives, a tailoring workshop, a cafeteria & bakery and a shadowed community space underneath the big Acacia tree for social interaction where people can gather, learn, discuss and celebrate. Although the main focus lies on the youth, the centre serves as a place for the whole community.
MAKE DESIGN MATTER is a series of free monthly inspirational talks for humanitarians.
Article 25, in partnership with the BRE Trust and Second Home, are gathering together outstanding design professionals working to support the most vulnerable in societies across the developing world. These inspiring monthly talks consider the pursuit of progressive, sustainable architecture which focus on the communities they serve.
Meet the architects and designers at the forefront of creative and positive change in building design for international development.
The talk will be followed by a panel discussion with the following invited guests.
Richard Cottrell, Director of Cottrell & Vermeulen [BD Education Architect of the Year]
Alan Chandler, Research Leader for Architecture & The Built Environment, University of East London