the global studio: SIDAREC technology and media lab

construction is underway for the SIDEARC-mukuru kwa njenga center, in nairobi, kenya giving the expectant african community a tool to end the cycle of poverty. the community center, designed for slums information development resource center (SIDEARC) and the needs of nairobi youth by the global studio from seattle, USA, will give mukuru residents access to the internet, computer and technology training, health clinic services, early childhood development programs, and a community theater.

the community center is a cooperative effort by the 50×15 foundation and architecture for humanity, in local partnership with SIDEARC.

ECD roofed and all openings fitted

the building organization began by making other design assumptions that need to be tested with staff and community. the design team decided to arrange the building functions according to varying degrees of public and private. the team assumed the pay phones, internet cafe and photocopying and printing areas should be placed near the street because they are the most public activities and would likely be the most ‘commercial’. the pay phones are located outdoors near the main entrance, giving them a highly public location, as well as the ability to have access to them without having the entire building open. the internet cafe, reception and photocopying and printing serves are located at the very front of the building immediately off the shaded entry area. the outdoor entry area could also accommodate several tables and chairs.

ECD roofed

the library is also a public space, but one that does not need to be as close to the street. it is located at the end of the main building. outside of the library is a shaded entry and play area to the detached day care centre. although a separate building, the day care is connected by the same veranda as the main technology building. the day care is located near the play field and the clinic, giving it close proximity to play and parents attending the clinic.

toilet block

the veranda serves as the main circulation spine for the entire site connecting the street entry back to the existing clinic. the veranda is covered by woven wood screens called wattle. wattle is a common, traditional kenya building technology. it creates a very beautiful filtered light keeping the building cool and effectively doubles the size of the building. in an equatorial climate like nairobi, being outdoors in the shade is often more comfortable then being inside. at the far end of the day care, the veranda wraps around the building to become a shaded waiting area for the clinic. outside of the library and day care are built-in benches for socializing and reading. there are also built-in benches along the ramp next to the amphitheatre for relaxing and socializing.

separating the internet cafe and the library is a large office for SIDAREC staff, as well as access to the battery vault where the batteries for the rooftop photovoltaics are stored. the vault isconstructed with thick masonry walls to keep the batteries safe, cool and dry. stairs to the upper floor wrap around the battery vault from the library on the ground floor. directly on top of the battery storage is another vault which houses the server and the building’s communications and data equipment. this storage room is also designed to be secure, cool and dry. the vaults are centrally located making communication and electric runs as efficient as possible. next to the server vault is another large office for staff. at the end of the upstairs corridor is the computer training classroom, which the design team deemed the most private. it also holds symbolic importance of being elevated above the ground.

fixing trusses

the building systems are relatively simple and straight forward. they utilize locally available resources and local skilled labor.the building foundation and wall construction is ‘restrained masonry construction’ on concrete footings utilizing stabilized cement earth block infill. masonry is chosen for its longevity and thermal mass. a concrete and masonry building will serve the community of mukuru for a long time, and the thick walls will help reduce the cooling load on the building keeping the occupants more comfortable and protect the computer equipment.

window frames and cills for the toilet block

‘restrained masonry construction’ is a concrete post and beam system that is utilized throughout the developing world, especially in areas subject to seismic activity. the block infill serves both as the form work for the reinforced concrete columns and beams, as well as, a thermal mass keeping the building occupants and equipment cool. utilizing the block as two sides of the form work cuts down on labor and reduces the need for expensive wood form work. the stabilized cement earthblock (SCEB) could be made from the earth excavated to create the amphitheatre. this is another assumption that would need testing prior to determining its viability. sceb has the potential of utilizing on-site material, thereby reducing the cost of construction materials. the production of SCEB generates lower levels of pollution and has a lower embodied energy than other forms of masonry.

staircase to radio studio

youth from mukuru visit the project

the roof construction is pre-cast concrete joists spanning between poured-in-place concrete beams. the beams clear span the 6 meter (20 feet) width of the building every 3.65 meters (12 feet) on center. reinforced insulation panels span between the pre-cast concrete joists. the insulation panels are lightweight and keep the building cooler. they also act as form work for a poured concrete roof. the walls and ceilings are stucco and painted to give a smooth finished appearance. on top of the roof are rows of photovoltaic panels. the pv panels are held off the roof, but are kept below the parapet. holding the panel off the roof shades the building from the direct sun, therefore reducing the heat gain of the building at the same time as generating renewable power. locating the panels behind the parapet conceals the pv panels to deter theft.

exterior plastering

the window wall is constructed of standard steel components spanning between the concrete columns and set on a slightly canted block infill wall. there are built-in computer counters along the window wall looking out at the veranda in the internet café and library. each window wall and entry way is fitted with a coiling steel door. the doors are lowered and locked at the end of each day to protect sidarec’s technology. the radio tower is located on the ground next to the radio tower where it is braced against the side of the building keeping it secure and stable.

the veranda is covered with wattle in a steel frame that spans between concrete beams. the wattle is also applied to a steel frame applied vertically to the radio station tower. the wattle evokes traditional kenyan building techniques, produces an elegant quality of light, and shades the window wall facing the covered circulation spine. the design team feels that the wattle speaks to the ingenuity and untapped potential of kenyan youth.

other sustainable strategies; composting toilets, non-burning medical waste disposal, bioswale storm water filtration and infiltration, reuse existing clinic

you can view many more images of the construction progress at the openarchitecturenetwork.

project info: name: SIDAREC technology and media labproject lead: the global studio location: mukuru kwa njenga, nairobi, kenya start date: march 19, 2008 current phase: in construction cost: 248 000 USD (final) size: 200 sq. m building type: youth center, technology facility, recreation facility, public space/gathering space, office space, marketplace – outdoor, library, health clinic, education facility – day care/children’s facility, community center design fellow: isaac mugumbule client: SIDAREC design team: the global studio architect of record: planning systems cost estimator: masterbill integrated projects mechanical engineer: eams environmental consultant: ecoplan limited surveyor: maps surveys structural engineer: mangat ib patel and partners number of beneficiaries: 600