SWAHILI DHOW CRAFT CENTRE ,LAMU,KENYA.

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

Project idea

SWAHILI DHOW CRAFT CENTRE
(LAMU OLD TOWN,KENYA)

Swahili dhow craft Centre will act as a case for designing cultural, community and marine work spaces along the rapidly growing East African coastal towns. It aims to boost economic development, empower communities, enhance climate resilience, and preserve cultural heritage aligning with SDG 11 on sustainable urban development.

By leveraging local cultural and maritime history, the project seeks to create vibrant hubs for tourism, economic activities, and community engagement while promoting sustainable practices and preserving cultural identity.


STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Lamu with its rich cultural heritage and outstanding universal value is facing increasing spatial contests due to tourism,population growth and economic development.

The spatial contest which has led to informality,disuse,disrepair,misuse pose a threat to the built heritage ensemble.

Ordering the observed emerging needs [boat making,street vending,fish sorting,tourism and cultural festivals]will solve the threat posed to the Swahili urban landscape.

CONCEPT
Harmony (order and continuity) using a sailing vessel(dhow ) as an abstraction.

PHILOSOPHY

The theme of order and continuity will ensure the architectural conservation concept of continuity with change in the Swahili coastal landscape of Lamu .

The design aims at using vernacular architecture,infill design and contextualization principles to create a space that respects both intangible and tangible heritage in Old town Lamu.

Project description

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Site location: Lamu old town,Kenya, Africa.
Project size: 8850M2

CLIENT:
UNESCO,UN-HABITAT,LAMU CONSERVATION OFFICE ,NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KENYA,LAMU COUNTY GOVERNMENT,LAMU BEACH MANAGEMENT UNIT,KENYA PORT AUTHORITY& SAVE LAMU GROUP.

PROJECT FINANCIERS:
UNESCO,SIDA,NORAD & GOVERNMENT OF KENYA

JUSTIFICATION:
Lamu old town is a world heritage property( Ominde et.al, 2020)
Lamu is facing a threat to its U.O.V

URGENCY
Lamu old town needs to pay for itself.
Heritage both tangible and intangible need to continue despite change.

Technical information

The proposed Swahili dhow craft center in Lamu,Kenya seeks to use innovation and technology to maintain culture while enhancing sustainability, in line with SDG 11.

The key elements are:

1. ADOPTING RENEWABLE ENERGY The center will use renewable energy, including solar and wind, to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and minimize its carbon footprint.

2. EFFECTIVE WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT: Implementing rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, and composting toilets can reduce environmental effects.

3. CLIMATE -RESILIENT DESIGN: The center's designs will be resilient to local climatic challenges, such as elevated structures for flood prevention and seawater corrosion-resistant materials.

4. IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES AND CULTURAL TOURS: Virtual reality tours and interactive workshops teach visitors about the craftsmanship and cultural significance of dhow making, increasing engagement and appreciation.

5. COLLABORATIVE SPACE: Shared work spaces will encourage innovation and collaboration among local craftspeople, artists, and technologists.

6. COMMUNITY E-LEARNING: E-learning modules and webinars on traditional dhow construction techniques and environmental practices will be created for a worldwide audience.

7. DATA-DRIVEN MONITORING: Sensors and data analytics will monitor environmental effect, resource usage, and operational efficiency to continuously enhance sustainable practices.


CREATIVE MATERIAL USE AND PROJECT DURABILITY.

The craft center's distinctive utilization of materials such as coral stone and renewable resources improves both aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability.

Key features include:

1. INNOVATIVE MATERIAL UTILIZATION: Sustainable materials, such as coral stone and renewable resources, will be employed in building and maintenance to promote environmental sustainability.

2. MATERIAL DURABILITY: Using materials such as canvas sails ensures project durability, demonstrating a commitment to protecting cultural heritage and building environmental resilience.

3. POLLUTION MITIGATION: Using recycled plastics in construction and dhow manufacturing will help minimize pollution along the Lamu coastline, demonstrating an innovative method to combining modern materials with traditional crafts.

Use of donkeys and dhows as the main form of transport to minimize carbon emissions.


SOCIAL-ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY

The Swahili Dhow Craft Centre will provide:

1. Providing job opportunities for local artisans and craftsmen.

2. Tourism Stimulation: Attracting tourists can boost the local economy.

3. Revenue creation: Craft sales benefit both the center and local artisans.

4. Cultural interaction and Preservation: Encouraging cultural interaction while protecting traditional skills.

5. Creating a sense of belonging and communal pride by celebrating and preserving local traditions.

The Swahili dhow craft center in Lamu will preserve traditional heritage while simultaneously promoting sustainable development, community socioeconomic empowerment, and environmental resilience, all aligned with SDG 11's goals

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