Interview about The Worm Integrated Center, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2023
In the history Botswana's culture, Mophane worm has always been one of the local delicacies. The design concept was inspired by Mophane Worm. The geometric form of the building mimics the body shape of the worm. This Worm lives its life as a worm on Mophane Tree. This relationship between Mophane Worm and Mophane Tree was translated into how the building relates to the natural vegetation surrounding it. The building's connection to nature and natural landscape was crucial in the design. Furthermore, the use of local natural material evokes the character of Tswana vernacular Architecture.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe harmonious relationship harmonious relationship between Mophane worm and Mophane tree has evoked the use of free flowing spaces that ‘spill’ to the outside. This necessitated the use of largely openable facades that are also glass to create both visual and physical connection between the inside and outside spaces.
This dialogue/natural symbiosis is established through scale, use of geometry, material as well as physical and visual interaction/connection between interior of the building and outdoor natural landscape. The building winds itself in a circular form and ‘disappears’ into the natural landscape with facades largely openable to the surrounding. The circular form derived from the structural form of the worm, makes it easy to create habitable spaces that are shielded from the external weather elements. In this manner, the wall membranes between the outside and inside can be all open regardless of the weather conditions. This creates a building that’s intricately connected to the natural environment surrounding it.
This creates a safe haven for users that prefer to sit and use the outside spaces, to do so without having to worry about weather conditions. This courtyard is usable regardless on any harsh weather condition. Users are able to use outdoor spaces anytime they will. The further blurred line between the outdoor and indoor spaces allow the users sitting inside to experience the outdoor spaces at the same time.
In Traditional Tswana Architecture, materials used are usually earthy and are left raw in their natural finish. This is the case with The Worm Integrated Center, materials are left unfinished in their natural state. Not only is the use of compressed earth blocks and thatched roof a literal representation of the primary materials used in Traditional Tswana Architecture, they also promote environmental sustainability. These materials reduce energy consumption of the building. They keep the building warm in winter and cool the interiors cool during summer. The materials are further also locally sourced materials (earth and thatch). All these reduce the carbon footprint of the building in an era where climate change and global warming has become an increasing concern.
These flexible and openable glass walls create a sense of oneness between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The walls completely open to the courtyard and blur the line between the two spaces. In this instance, the natural environment flows into the inside and the outside flows out to the natural environment.
I ensured that the overall primary aspects of Traditional Tswana Architecture are captured in the design while infusing it with modern ways of construction and materials in a way that it does not overshadow the primary traditional Tswana Architecture traits. For example, Tswana huts are usually arranged around a common courtyard. This was translated into the building’s ability to form a central courtyard. I also infused the use of natural materials like glass walls with the compressed earth walls. Earth blocks used in traditional Tswana architecture has also been reimagined in a modern way through the use of compressed/engineered earth blocks. It still gives the same character but the walls are more modern and structurally sound for a structure of this scale and this use.
During the season mophane worm harvesting, the local communities usually harvest the worm to feed their families and also most sell it for economic benefits. It has been one of the most important contributors towards local communities’ economic upkeep. This building was therefore, not only designed to serve its function but also to display the Traditional Tswana Architecture as well as the cultural Heritage of Botswana. It is targeted at international tourists to experience it and in the process contribute towards the Letlhakane local economy. The whole architectural concept and narrative was informed by the probe to display this local traditional heritage.
Traditional Tswana architecture only makes use of small huts and not so big structures. The challenge on this project was to design a roof that suites a bigger building that is arranged around a wider and a radial configuration. I have also used the structure in a playful manner that celebrates the tectonics structural aesthetics. The challenge was getting the structure to work technically. However, I made use of modern building technics to get the structure to be technically sound.
Most of the walls are between buildings and facing the main courtyard. These are the walls that mostly form part of the 70%. Besides the courtyard being shielded from the adverse weather conditions, the building is layered with a wide veranda space between the outside and the building. These create enough buffer zone to cushion the interiors from external weather conditions. The use of compressed earth blocks, underfloor insulation and thatch further help to regulate the weather effects of weather conditions while allowing for the use of openable glass facades.
Once completed, this building will set a precedent in terms of successful interpretation of Traditional Tswana Architecture to modern architecture. I envision this building to be an inspiration to other local Architects in terms of this type of approach to Architecture. This will be the local Traditional Tswana Architecture re-imagined.
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