kéré architecture builds kamwokya community center in kampala

building for marginalized communities of kampala

Kéré Architecture presents its recently completed ‘Kamwokya Community Centre,’ which introduces a space for community gathering in Kampala, Uganda. The project is the result of a partnership between local non-profit Kamwokya Christian Caring Community — which runs sports, leisure and artistic activities in one of the poorest areas of the capital city — and the Ameropa Foundation, which works internationally on projects that aim to improve the lives of marginalized communities.

The team notes is goals in developing the project, which is to maintain and enhance the public and free character of the site, seeking not to impose, but to gently uplift it. The playground provides a more conducive space for the activities already happening on site, such as sport training and matches, spontaneous gatherings, community events, workshops, music and dance classes.

image © Iwan Baan | @iwanbaan

kamwokya community center: a flexible activity space

The design team at Kéré Architecture elevates the entire ‘Kamwokya Community Centre,’ on a platform. This strategy allows for the integration of an efficient drainage system to protect it from recurrent floods during the heavy rains. This platform is divided into distinct areas by subtle variations in level that allow a range of activities to take place at once without interfering with each other. The main sports field, drained and shaded, is surrounded by tribune-like steps to watch the games or gather informally.

image © Iwan Baan

inside the space by kéré architecture

Atop this elevated platform, Kéré Architecture constructs two naturally ventilated buildings, which house interior programming for the Kamwokya Community Centre. These spaces include a small gym, an internet café, various multi-purpose rooms for classes and workshops, a music studio and an office, as well as an adjacent sanitary block. The spaces are enclosed by two butterfly roofs raised by steel structures to allow for air flow, which give a strong identity to the site in its urban context.

Beyond its practical function, the project aims to transform the community by becoming a source of inspiration and pride that in turn can create a sense of agency and ownership.