Makoko: At Home on Water

Lagos is one of the most urbanized parts of Nigeria, and while many of its residents enjoy the advantages of urbanization, many face the disadvantages. The lack of efficient systems has led to the rise of many informal settlements like Makoko on water. My project explores how architecture can be a tool to care for the urban poor.

This project proposes the creation of an orphanage in Makoko -based on self-sufficiency, flexibility, floating and respect for local culture- where kids can develop soft skills and be better integrated into the community. The base design hosts 44-54 kids.\nThe orphanage is divided into a public and private zone, characterised by a main hall and bedrooms respectively. Mimicking the organic cluster formation of buildings in Makoko, each bedroom forms a little ‘house’ connected to the others through a series of exterior hallways. These hallways act as transitional spaces, play areas and meeting points for small groups of children. The private and public zones also mimic the working of a family house, with different zones for visitors and family only. The main hall is an 85m2 multifunctional space for dining, community meetings and events. The functional program also includes a kitchen, garden, classrooms for skill acquisition and staff living spaces. One key concept is the use of transformable spaces, e.g. the bedrooms were divided into 2 zones, which either accommodates 4 kids with a study/ play area or 6 kids without.\nAll buildings are setback from the edge of the barges by 1m for accessibility and a bamboo fence prevents falling into the water.\nThe structure of the orphanage includes 6 anchored steel barges, wooden beams and columns as well as steel fixing and bracing elements. All the buildings are cladded with split bamboo externally and wooden planks internally. All wood and steel materials are locally sourced. The system of barges allows easy expansion as barges and buildings can be added or replaced. Rainwater collection, PV panels, and natural ventilation were incorporated into the design.\nThe approach of my design began by focusing on a vulnerable group in Makoko, the orphans. Through careful analysis of the settlement and the goal of sustainably addressing existing social and environmental issues, architectural solutions were proposed. This culminated in an orphanage complex where the needs of children can be catered to in the same way one would cater to the needs of the urban wealthy.