This project complements the earlier proposal of ecotourism structures. The program was set up in a way there would be an opportunity for different kind of tourism experiences. As walking safaris through traditional Maasai areas demonstrated to be one of most important tour possibilities, scattered camps were proposed for overnighting.
As starting point I gathered common characteristics of the traditional domestic architecture of the Maasai community, through time and space. Also its deficiencies were considered. All this was interpreted in order to design a structure that would relate to traditional building. It could not only inform the tourists but also retrieve a perspective to the Maasai, hoping to inspire them, to trigger their self-reflection.
In this sense particularities like building techniques and design where taken into account, but at the same time there was a need to contradict the growing patterns in tourist structures. Normally these would not assume the tent as part of the construction, rather as subdued to a natural/traditional shed.
So in this proposal there is a strong dichotomy, an implicit contrast whereby each materiality is accepted and shown through large façade areas.
The substantial blind, rammed earth wall is ‘complemented’ by a light structure. The later is inspired by the rigorous and, at the same time, random assembly of small branches as the ‘hardcore’ of the traditional wall, that would later be plastered with all kinds of ready available materials (cow dung, soil, ashes,etc).
These two contrasting contours create a restrained resting area, with its basic components: bed, washing area and toilet.
Water heating and collecting is done in a central module, thanks to renewable energies. A gathering/social area is created around this same module as it allows for a famous campfire, heatsource that would assist in the just mentioned water cycle.
The earlier mentioned traditional branched wall structure is translated into a more stylized format and it containes a complementing concept: the one of future adaption/tranformation, as tourism might be a temporary activity. By building the core of the wall it gives the opportunity to overcome the initial intention of Tent support. It could then offer an alternative for (somehow improved) traditional building. The three-layered timber structure could be filled by stones and dried grasses and later plastered by materials mentioned above. Underlying idea was related to the aspiration of self-reflection and eventually self-respect within the Maasai traditional building scene.
As one of the deficiencies in the Maasai house is its natural light and ventilation, I reflected upon an alternative for the western notion of window. Reasons for small round openings in the current houses can be its structural challenges or its ability to protect from exterior elements. With this proposal I tried not to disrupt significantly the cultural assumptions, but by making use of the three-layered timber structure, I created a skewed like opening. No direct sunlight could disturb the interior; no direct visual contact would be possible. However, enough daylight and aeration for basic healthiness would be assured.
