Project Overview

A culturally integrated, immersive visitor centre promoting environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.

Enkang'o means 'village' in the Maa language. This design concept seeks to embody the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai people, overlaying contemporary structural elements with vernacular architectural and aesthetic themes. Prioritising circular forms, natural materials and vibrant colours, this design honours the Maasai's traditional customs and deep connection to nature.

This concept was prepared for an international open design competition for the Maasai Mara Conservation Centre at the gateway to Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Royal Institute of British Architects coordinated the 2024 competition on behalf of Abercrombie and Kent Philanthropy.

Organisation

Archisoul Architects Pty Ltd

Team

Joanne Gillies, Russell Rice, Rick Pereyra

Project Brief

The project brief called for a design to maximise educational engagement, sustainability, cultural integration, visitor experience and accessibility.

Functional requirements included ample parking for a variety of vehicles, including coach buses; seamless entry and ticketing; interactive and dynamic exhibition spaces; a classroom; an upper-level observation deck; restrooms; shaded seating areas; a small cafe serving light snacks; and a gift shop.

A maximum floor area of 485 sqm was suggested as the $USD 750,000 budget had to also meet the cost of water, sewerage and electricity connections for the facility.

Project Innovation/Need

Inspired by the Maasai's traditional Manyatta hut homes, Enkang'o mimics the organic architecture of its contextual setting.

The Fibonacci spiral structure seamlessly integrates various functional modules, each representing a facet of Maasai culture and communal life. This design philosophy not only echoes the circular nature of Maasai settlements but also promotes a fluid transition between spaces.

A defining feature is the linear Ley Line connecting the carpark to the cultural centre, guiding visitors on an educational journey adorned with Maasai artwork and symbolising traditional communication pathways among Maasai tribes.

The central courtyard, featuring a native Acacia tree, creates a serene focal point and a symbolic link to Maasai culture. The Acacia is integral to the Maasai way of life, providing shelter from the sun and anchoring the Maasai Mara eco-system.

This link is further cemented by the arboreal shade devices. With canopies made from fallen branches, their dappling effect evokes the filtered light beneath an Acacia tree.

The building's spiral roof, which can be accessed via the ramp or the internal pivotal stairwell, serves as the viewing platform. As visitors traverse the roof, instinctively following a circular path, they enjoy an ever-widening view of the savannah, giving their journey an in-built sense of momentum and cohesion.

On a deeper level, the spiral structure symbolises the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of the Maasai community, to each other and to the environment that has shaped their culture.

Design Challenge

The central challenge of this project was to produce a design for a large multi-use site, which offers an immersive and interactive educational experience yet has minimal energy needs.

Other considerations included a requirement to minimise the centre's environmental impact and to integrate Maasai cultural elements and local materials. All within a very tight budget of $USD 750,000.

This concept meets and exceeds those expectations with a culturally responsive, sustainable design, which leverages its form to fulfill its function – with minimal reliance on artifice or electricity. The structure shapes the visitor experience, physically, visually and intellectually, complementing its natural and cultural context in aesthetic homage to the Maasai.

Sustainability

The Centre incorporates passive design, rainwater harvesting and green roofs, emphasising environmental stewardship. Cross-ventilation and high thermal mass maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, removing the need for air conditioning.

The spiral design with an open centre optimises natural light penetration, reducing electricity use and material outlays. To further limit environmental impact, an integrated geothermal energy harvesting system is recommended instead of solar panels.

Native plants were selected for climate adaptation, sustainability, biodiversity conservation, cultural significance, resilience and cost-effectiveness. A local Acacia tree will be planted within the central atrium, reflecting a holistic and environmentally responsible design strategy.

Materials include stabilised rammed earth for walls, compacted earth floors with a surface sealant, recycled plastic pavers from Nairobi, Corten rusted steel for solar shades, gates, and handrails, and locally sourced sticks for solar shaders. These materials not only enhance sustainability but also support local industries and preserve cultural heritage.