TLOU – Elephant Rescue Center. An epathetic architecture project in a model environment in Botswana, Africa.

Academy of Art in Szczecin / Akademia Sztuki w Szczecinie

Project idea

In the era of the climate crisis, environmental protection takes on particular significance. It is important not only to minimize negative impacts on nature but also to strive to extend biodiversity. The project supports the preservation of biological diversity by creating a space dedicated to the protection of African elephants, which are an endangered species. TLOU – Elephant Rescue Center also aims to promote sustainable development in the region. Through tourism initiatives and conservation programs, the center can create new jobs and sources of income for local communities. Ecotourism, focused on observing elephants in their natural habitat, can drive local economic development while raising awareness about elephant conservation. The project includes the use of sustainable local materials, renewable energy sources, and rainwater harvesting through gutters. Additionally, the center is inspired by the ethnic architecture of Botswana, including the traditional rondavel huts.

Project description

The project includes rooms with a total area of 2534.5 m² and an elephant enclosure covering 993.7 m². The total area of the designed site is 7931.5 m². The center consists of residential buildings, a building equipped with bathrooms, WC facilities, showers, and kitchens, educational buildings, a veterinary center, and a fenced enclosure for the elephants.

The layout was inspired by traditional settlements where courtyards served as central gathering places. This design aims to create a space that fosters communal living and integration, reflecting local culture and traditions.The rooms feature terraces that, with sliding panels, can extend the room to create additional relaxation space. Beds are also equipped with mosquito nets to protect against insects. The complex includes four types of residential modules tailored to various guest needs. In total, the available rooms can accommodate up to 26 people.The modular construction of the rooms allows for the expansion of the center, enabling flexible adjustment to growing accommodation needs and expanding its operations. This capability allows the center to grow incrementally by adding new modules as demand increases, while ensuring comfortable accommodation conditions. The rooms can be used by guests, veterinarians, volunteers, and other staff members, enhancing the functionality and versatility of the center.

The next planned module is a building containing two bathrooms for women and men, toilets for women and men, as well as two bathrooms for persons with disabilities. These facilities are accessible from both sides of the building. Additionally, the module is equipped with showers for women and men, featuring facilities adapted for the needs of individuals with disabilities.

The kitchen is furnished with essential appliances for preparing meals for residents, staff, and guests of the center. The kitchen area, thanks to mobile panels, can be open or closed, allowing it to connect with the covered outdoor space. This area serves a relaxation function and can be arranged in various configurations. Seating areas with planters have also been designed in this part of the complex.

The open space draws inspiration from the Tswana term "lolwapa," synonymous with family, home, and household. The term refers to a fenced courtyard that connects the area in front of the main household buildings, traditionally used for hosting guests.

The educational module comprises two rooms that can be modified as needed. The first room is for conducting lessons, while the second is for younger children to relax. The project accommodates various types of stays, including those with children. One of the project's objectives is social education. This space also serves to conduct educational programs aimed at local communities, tourists, children, and youth. These programs aim to increase awareness about the importance of elephant conservation and their ecosystems. Through workshops, presentations, and interactive activities, the project aims to educate on how to protect these animals and why it is crucial for the planet as a whole.In the educational zone, there is a unique space modeled after a traditional rondavel, where the building's roofing reflects the typical Botswana-style construction. This part of the complex not only provides seating areas but also serves as an excellent place to relax in the shade on hot days. Designed to emphasize local traditions, this space offers a tranquil retreat within the center.

The veterinary treatment facility is another building designed specifically for veterinary functions, offering a variety of rooms, including utility rooms, recovery rooms, post-procedure showers and bathrooms, sterile pre-procedure rooms, observation rooms, social areas, storage facilities for supplies and medications, a garage, and an operating theater. Each of these rooms has been carefully planned and equipped to meet specific veterinary requirements, providing necessary conditions for procedures and daily animal care. The operating theater allows for procedures and surgeries to be conducted under sterile conditions, essential for ensuring safety. Inside the room, there is a hoist system that allows elephants to be lifted if necessary for surgery or when the animal is unable to move independently. With this advanced medical infrastructure and professional care, elephants can receive effective treatment and rehabilitation, contributing to their recovery and eventual release back into their natural environment.

During their recovery, the animals stay in an outdoor enclosure spanning 993.7 m², meticulously designed to closely resemble their natural habitat and provide comfort akin to their wild surroundings. The design was primarily inspired by the organic shapes found in the Okavango Delta's river channels. The outline of these channels influenced the layout of the elephant enclosure, defining the shape of walkways and green areas. The elevated walkway, designed to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, allows for observing the animals from a higher vantage point.
To ensure the durability and safety of the enclosure, it is fenced with reinforced posts made from CCA-treated eucalyptus wood. Eucalyptus wood is chosen for its hardness, ease of processing, and resistance to pests.The area can also be internally divided into smaller sections, allowing for the segregation of individuals if needed. Within this space, there is also a water tank designed for hydrotherapy for animals with limb injuries. This feature enables the elephants to bathe and enjoy mud baths independently, providing them with significant enjoyment.

Elephants stay at the facility for a specific recovery period, where they can heal from injuries or illnesses. They are then moved to fenced state lands for adaptation and preparation to return to their natural habitats. After suitable adjustment to their new environmental conditions, elephants are released back into the wild, marking their return to freedom and natural living. The center is equipped to accommodate up to five elephants initially, but it is designed for flexible expansion as needed.

Technical information

The construction of the walls is based on Adobe bricks, which are then covered with two or three layers of plaster both inside and outside the building. Natural ochre earth pigments are used for plastering, giving the building a distinctive appearance and color. The roofs are corrugated iron, supported by posts made from Mopane or Mokopa Acacia wood, which is locally available and known for its resistance to pests. The center can generate electricity from solar energy using photovoltaic panels. This form of energy is sustainable as it harnesses solar radiation, a renewable source that does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere. The center has been equipped with two generators that provide backup power for the operating theater and its associated rooms.
Lighting fixtures in the project can be locally crafted. Wall sconces have been created using flat baskets made from maselo, which not only give them an attractive appearance but also lower production costs. Additionally, pendant lighting forms have been designed for the kitchen area.Inside the complex, mosaic tiles appear, which can be manufactured on-site, making them readily available. Their simple forms and numerous design possibilities allow them to be created by anyone.

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