African Design Magazine August 2016 | Page 73

Feature Uganda Church House in Kampala, Uganda, is one of RMJM’s latest projects in the city. How can architects tackle these issues? Architectural practices dispersed in multiple countries are more capable of successfully approaching the effects of the rapid and unstructured integration in Kampala as they possess knowledge about the socio-cultural realities of different nations, including from those which faced similar issues decades ago. This provides them the cultural sensitivity required to understand the day-to-day lives of those who will benefit from the projects in which they are involved. RMJM benefits immensely from being well-represented in Eastern Africa by RMJM Symbion and having studios in close contact with each other allows for the creation of truly multicultural, collaborative teams. Some of the projects with a most profound impact in the local community, include Mildmay HIV/AIDS Centre and Kisubi Orthopaedic Hospital. Somewhat unexpectedly, increasing urbanization does not necessarily result in soaring production as the majority of jobs created as a result of mass-migration usually require low-skilled labour. Projects of increasing value to cities like Kampala are those which combine several industries such as the Kampala Serena Hotel. This landmark project attracts capital, provides construction and service industry jobs, improves infrastructure in the surrounding areas and stimulates growth in the local and national economy through tourism. RMJM has been at the heart of several lauded projects in this region but more are needed if Kampala and cities like it are going to thrive in the future.