School in Makoko

This thesis project proposes the creation of a floating school in Makoko, one of the many slums in Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria. Education is the key that will enable people in Makoko to solve problems typical for any slum. The community will be provided with a tool to self-upgrade while preserving its genuine character and authenticity.

Our proposal focuses on the construction of a module, with versatile character that serves mostly as an educational facility, not only for young students but also for the whole community, hosting different services that would help Makoko in many levels. A platform (22.5m x 22.5m), consisting of a wooden frame and empty plastic barrels, is mounted on piles perched at the bottom of the sea in a way that allows only the vertical movement. This platform bears the school structure. A central core serves all needs for drinking water, toilet and electricity. In the corner areas there are community facilities, a medical office, an exchange market area, a plastic shredder and a room for teachers and personal classes. In between them there are three classrooms. For greater flexibility we used curtains as partitions. The static carrier consists of wooden columns that carry the roof grid made of bamboo due to its flexibility, durability and light weight. The roof is made of corrugated metal sheets and polycarbonate sheets that serve the illumination of the rooms. Also, the roof is tilted towards the center to collect rainwater into the core and filter it through a bio-sand infiltration system. The toilets are elevated in order to facilitate the immediate collection of waste in drums and their easy replacement. Finally, the minimum electricity requirements are covered by solar panels whose batteries are stored on a cabin above the toilets. All the materials are local and all means and ways of construction refer to already existing construction technology in Makoko. This way people can easily build the module themselves and avoid many costs of maintenance. The furniture, are all handmade by locals, using local tools, local materials and local technology. They are all collapsible, designed in such a way that can be put aside and stored. This way the space can easily be transformed, depending on the needs of the students and the community.