Kenya has continued to tower over the global architectural community over its well thought out designs not limited by financial investments (or a lack thereof).
On Tuesday, October 11, Dezeen, a publication in the architectural community, ranked the Kibera Hamlets School Building among six globally that are creatively stunning with minimal financial backing that utilised reused materials.
The two-storey building, which blends well with the Kibera-esque homes, was designed and built at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art by José Selgas and Lucía Cano and shipped into Kenya in 2017.
The structure was made out of chipboard, sheets of polycarbonate plastic and scaffolding and utilises lighting to glow in the dark.
"The scaffolding structure used netting, chipboard and sheets of polycarbonate plastic with water containers as ballast for the structure – materials that could be found and put to use by the local community in its intended new home in the largest slum of Nairobi, where it will provide much-needed facilities for education and entrepreneurship," the media outlet described the building.
It was constructed in the US, dismantled and transported to Kenya where it was re-fitted for use by the school that caters for orphaned children.
One of the founders of the company that took part in its construction noted that the project was driven by the need to prove that the world of architecture can make a difference even in poor communities.
"Architecture and design isn't just about looking nice, it is about making a difference to people's lives. It can change people's behaviour, it can support development, it can help the poorest.
"As depressing as the world can be sometimes, it can be shaped by good architecture and good design. I think that is really life-affirming," stated Rohan Silva.
During its shipping, the team confronted challenges with the customs team who impounded their materials for about six weeks.
When it was released, they galvanised help from the locals in setting up. It was fitted with proper drainage, classrooms as well as clean water piping among others.
"It was a real reminder of how difficult it is, sadly, for many countries to do trade," Silva added.
