WUON NAM CULTURAL VILLAGE, KISUMU, KENYA

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, School of Architecture and Building Sciences, Department of Architecture

Project idea

The Proposed Wuon Nam Cultural Village represents a significant architectural endeavor located in Kisumu City, Kenya. The project is conceptualized as a cultural center that deeply integrates the socio-cultural identity of the Luo community. The Center addresses the pressing issues of cultural homogenization and loss of traditional architectural styles due to globalization and technological advances across the world, often resulting into architecture that has no meaning or relation to the context of which it exists.

Project Idea and Context:
The Wuon Nam Cultural Village is rooted in the rich historical and cultural backdrop of the Luo people, who migrated from South Sudan to the Lake Victoria Basin. This migration journey and the traditional practices of the Luo, particularly fishing along the Nile, form the conceptual foundation of the design. The center’s layout and architectural forms are inspired by traditional Luo fishing baskets, symbolizing the community’s deep connection to water and their historical migration route.

Goals and Objectives:
1. Cultural Preservation and Revitalization:
Create spaces that facilitate the preservation, revitalization, and celebration of Luo culture, including workshops, performance areas, and exhibition spaces that showcase traditional practices such as ohangla music, basketry, pottery, and fishing.

2. Socio-cultural Engagement:
Foster a strong sense of community and cultural identity among the Luo people by providing inclusive and engaging public spaces for cultural exchange, community gatherings, and educational activities.

3. Sustainable Design:
Implement environmentally sensitive design practices that harmonize with the local landscape, using breathable materials for natural ventilation, incorporating water features, and maintaining green spaces that support biodiversity.
Promote sustainable economic practices by creating spaces for local artisans to produce and sell crafts and attracting tourism through cultural and culinary experiences.

4. Economic Empowerment:
Support the local economy by integrating spaces that generate income and employment opportunities, such as a thematic restaurant offering traditional Luo cuisine and cultural workshops where artisans can sell their crafts.

5. Innovative and Contextual Design:
Develop an innovative architectural design that respects and reflects the socio-cultural context of the Luo community, using traditional forms and symbols in a contemporary context to highlight the cultural narrative and identity.

6. Educational and Community Resources:
Provide facilities that serve educational purposes and community needs, such as a library, resource center, children’s play area, and community meeting rooms, ensuring the center is a versatile and inclusive space for all ages.

Project description

The Proposed Wuon Nam Cultural Village project is designed to address various socio-cultural, economic, and environmental challenges through a comprehensive and contextually sensitive architectural solution. The scope of the project solution encompasses the following key areas:

1. Cultural Preservation and Revitalization:
Cultural Workshops and Art Spaces: Dedicated areas for traditional Luo crafts, including basketry, pottery, hyacinth weaving, musical instruments, and regalia making.
Performance and Exhibition Spaces: Indoor and outdoor venues for showcasing ohangla music, traditional wrestling, and other cultural performances. Exhibition galleries to display Luo artifacts, history, and contemporary cultural expressions.

2. Community Engagement and Social Well-being:
Community Gathering Spaces: Public areas designed for community meetings, celebrations, and festivals, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride.
Educational Facilities: A library and resource center providing access to information and learning materials about Luo culture and heritage. Workshops and classes for cultural education and skills development.

3. Economic Empowerment:
Artisan Markets and Craft Shops: Spaces where local artisans can produce and sell their crafts, promoting local economic activities and entrepreneurship.
Thematic Restaurant: A restaurant offering traditional Luo cuisine and interactive experiences like fishing and food preparation, attracting tourists and generating revenue.

4. Environmental Sustainability:
Sustainable Design Practices: Use of breathable construction materials for natural ventilation, minimizing energy consumption. Integration of earth-tone colors and natural elements to harmonize with the local environment.
Green Spaces and Biodiversity: Creation of parks and green areas that support local flora and fauna, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity.

5. Innovative and Contextual Architectural Design:
Symbolic Forms and Layout: Architectural forms inspired by traditional Luo fishing baskets and a site layout symbolizing the historical migration of the Luo people.
Cultural Pavilion: A central space that transitions between major areas, allowing visitors to experience various aspects of Luo culture in one place.

6. Construction Technology and Services:
Natural Ventilation and Lighting: Use of breathable materials and open, barrier-free ground levels to ensure adequate air circulation and natural light, enhancing comfort and reducing the need for artificial systems.
Water Features and Landscape Integration: Incorporation of water features that reflect the Luo community’s connection to water, promoting a serene and culturally resonant environment.

7. Inclusivity and Accessibility:
Inclusive Design Elements: Facilities and spaces designed to be accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities, including children’s play areas and barrier-free paths.

Conclusion:
The Proposed Wuon Nam Cultural Village project aims to create a holistic and sustainable cultural center that preserves and revitalizes Luo culture, promotes community engagement, supports economic empowerment, and incorporates environmentally sensitive design practices. By addressing these diverse aspects, the project provides a comprehensive solution that meets the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental needs of the Luo community in Kisumu City.

Technical information

1. Site and Location:
Location: Kisumu City, Kisumu County, Kenya
Total Site Area: Approximately 1.34Ha

2. Design Concept:
Architectural Inspiration: Traditional Luo fishing baskets (Ounga, Sienyo, and Osadhi) and the historical migration path of the Luo people.
Design Philosophy: Socio-cultural contextualism, responding to the cultural, physical, and environmental context of Kisumu City.

3. Building Layout and Zoning:
Master Plan Layout: Symbolic representation of the Luo migration path.
Major Zones:
Cultural Workshops and Art Spaces: Areas for traditional crafts, pottery, weaving, and musical instrument making.
Performance and Exhibition Spaces: Indoor and outdoor venues for cultural performances and exhibitions.
Cultural Pavilion: Central transitional space showcasing various aspects of Luo culture.
Thematic Restaurant: Split into an interactive fishing and food preparation area and a traditional dining area.
Community Gathering Areas: Spaces for meetings, celebrations, and festivals.
Educational Facilities: Library, resource center, and classrooms for cultural education.

4. Structural and Construction Materials:
Primary Materials:
Breathable and locally sourced materials such as reeds, timber, and natural stone for sustainable construction.
Earth-tone colors and natural textures to blend with the environment.
Roofing: Translucent membranes for the cultural pavilion to allow natural light and provide shade.
Foundations: Deep foundations suitable for the site’s soil conditions, ensuring stability and durability.

5. Environmental Sustainability:
Ventilation: Natural ventilation achieved through breathable materials and open, barrier-free ground levels.
Lighting: Maximization of natural light through strategic use of translucent materials and open spaces.
Water Features: Integration of water features for auditory and visual stimulation, reflecting the Luo connection to water.
Green Spaces: Parks and landscaped areas to support local biodiversity and provide serene, natural environments.

6. Technological Integration:
HVAC Systems: Minimal use due to natural ventilation design; supplemental systems for peak comfort.
Lighting Systems: Energy-efficient LED lighting for nighttime and indoor use.
Water Management: Sustainable water use through rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems.

7. Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Barrier-Free Design: Ground level open and accessible to all, including pathways and facilities designed for people with disabilities.
Inclusive Facilities: Children’s play area, community meeting rooms, and various interactive spaces.

8. Construction Technology:
Techniques: Use of traditional and modern construction techniques to achieve durability and aesthetic harmony.
Materials: Combination of local materials and innovative construction methods to enhance sustainability and cultural relevance.
Energy Efficiency: Design aimed at reducing energy consumption through natural ventilation and lighting.

9. Services and Utilities:
Electricity: Connection to the local grid with provisions for solar energy integration.
Water Supply: Connection to municipal water supply with supplementary rainwater harvesting systems.
Waste Management: Sustainable waste management practices, including composting and recycling facilities.

10. Safety and Compliance:
Building Codes: Adherence to local building codes and regulations.
Safety Measures: Fire safety systems, emergency exits, and accessibility features compliant with safety standards.

Conclusion:
The Proposed Wuon Nam Cultural Village combines traditional Luo cultural elements with modern sustainable design practices. The technical specifications ensure that the center is not only a cultural hub but also an environmentally and economically sustainable facility that meets the needs of the Luo community in Kisumu City.

Documentation

Show PDF 1Show PDF 2Show PDF 3Show PDF 4

Created in: