Design of Women's House

The aim of project is to create a symbolic and environmentally friendly structure that is inspired by local traditions. A space in which members of society will be able to meet and discuss the topics of equality and human rights, guaranteeing involvement and emancipation of the female community in favor of the region’s social and economic development.

The building form came about from analyzing the urban gridlines of this settlement, where most of the buildings are mostly rectangular shaped or cylindrical in form of huts. All the spaces could serve as multifunctional purposes. The Building comprises of the following; Open spaces: Commercial terraces on the perimeter of the building which serves as an additional service to the women that come from far to attend functions. Exhibition terrace where exhibits are displayed for the public to view from outside. Kids terrace where the kids can play outside while being protected by the unopenable bamboo barrier. Closed spaces: 4 main spaces where activities are held includes the lecture room, activity workshop, lab and exhibition space. These spaces have direct connection to the courtyard. Prayer room is available for the women to pray due to the majority Muslim population. Kids room for children to play while their mothers are engaged with activities. Administrative space for managing the activities of the center. Service functions like toilet and general storage. The design of circulation around the women house is derived from the gridlines of the settlement. The settlement has zero to no town planning. Buildings are constructed without proper road network. With this regard, center has 6 accessible entry points. This makes it easy for people entering the building from all sides of the building based on where they are coming from. The courtyard serves as a meeting space and a connecting space to other enclosed parts of the building. It has a bean shaped central pit with steps that people can sit for leisure or activities. This space is central and private which gives freedom for the majority Muslim women to move about their activities without privacy concerns. The courtyard also serves as a playground for the kids. There is a 63m3 water storage beneath the courtyard, this store rainwater for domestic needs of the people. The choice of building materials was chosen from the surrounding to support ecological and sustainable architecture that can be self-constructed by the local community.