2023

Students participating from the School of Architecture Bremen and the School of Architecture, Ardhi University 

Venue: Emerson Foundation Art Gallery - Emerson on Harumzi / 5th-7th September 2023

 

context_ Stone Town is an incredible city of diverse cultures and religions, a city which has been strongly formed by the mix of both inside and outside influences. Its historical and cultural values lie in the variety of historical architectural styles, diverse cultural inspired architecture, transformative and adaptive urban morphology and ancient construction expertise. New influences are once again forging change and the city`s cultural heritage is in danger of literally losing the foundations of its identity. A survey by the Aga Khan Trust revealed that 85% of the 1,700 structures in Stone Town’s historic district were deteriorating or in a poor condition, the decay being accelerated by climate change, globalization and tourism. 

  

the building_ an approx. 740m2 3 storey building built on the corner of New Mkunazini Road and Kajificheni Street in central Stone Town. Built in the 19th century the building has been derelict for a number years.  

Constructed as a family residential building, the design is typical of the Arabic style with rooms centered around an open courtyard. Constructed traditionally out of coral rag with mangrove beams (boriti), the building is in urgent need of restoration. The building belongs within the UNESCO world heritage site. 

  

the client_ the building belongs to a client from Zanzibar who is particularly interested in the local Zanzibar culture and traditions. Their wish is to renovate the building using traditional materials and methods, whilst creating a space to house their collection of artefacts. The project should incorporate a restaurant. Fundamentally they are looking for an holistic concept that simultaneously respects and questions their ideas. 

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the collection_ the collection is stored in rooms spread over the city. It is comprised of many items, ranging from furniture to jewelry – religious artefacts to household appliances. The collection has a colonial bias and comprises mainly of relics of the history of Zanzibar. 

  

the brief_ study and understand the function, construction and architectural character of the building. Analyze and identify the issues that are important for the urban, architectural, cultural and social transformation of this building and its surroundings. Design a concept for the transformation, whilst incorporating and questioning the client`s ideas by considering the analyzed issues, the current/contemporary demand and considerations for the future. How can this building play a role in the cultural heritage and social activation of this area of the historic centre of Stone Town? 

  

deliverables_ a conceptual sketch scheme. The presentation should be a 3 - 5 minute film presenting the concept and how, through architectural transformation, cultural heritage and social synergies can be sustainably activated.