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Images by Iwan Baan
‘Kamwokya Community Centre,’ a community project that introduced a space for community gathering in Kampala, Uganda, was completed by Kéré Architecture last year. Like architecture of generosity, the project is the product of a partnership between local non-profit Kamwokya Christian Caring Community that runs sports, leisure and artistic activities in one of the poorest communities of the capital city and the Ameropa Foundation that works internationally on projects with intents 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 according to Designboom website.
Kéré Architecture design team elevates the entire ‘Kamwokya Community Centre,’ on a platform. This to give room for an efficient drainage system to protect it from recurrent floods during the rainy season. The 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.
The renowned architecture firm constructs two naturally ventilated buildings, which house interior programming for the center. 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.
The recreation center project intends to transform the community by becoming a source of inspiration and pride that in turn can create a sense of agency and ownership beyond its practical function.
Project Info:
Name: Kamwokya Community Centre
Architect: Kéré Architecture
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Client: Ameropa Foundation, Binningen, Kamwokya Christian Caring Community (KCCC)
Local Architect: j.e.nsubuga & associates
General Contractor: Soleco Construction co Ltd.
Structural Engineer: AECOM
Built Area: 1,600 square meters
Completion: 2022
Photography: © Iwan Baan | @iwanbaan
Edited by: MJ | Buildace Magazine
