African Design Magazine May 2017 | Page 42

African project Wangari Muta Maathai House – Kenya

42 africandesignmagazine . com

The site then lifts naturally to support the underside of this ring and eventually envelope the auditorium component , at the rear .
The circular form symbolises the simplicity embodied in the basic cycle of nature . The form , embedded within ethereal forest physically manifests the notion of ‘ walks and talks ’ – communicating the salient points of Wangari ’ s legacy – a childhood sense of wonder coalesced with the ethics of taking action .
The open , encircled courtyard is the focus , as it maintains a connection with the trees . It contains the Amphitheatre , an informal raised berm and the Mausoleum , a quiet , subterranean space . The exhibition space , library , conference centre and functional areas are accommodated in the structural ring .
Boogertman + Partners Architects was established in 1982 . With offices in Johannesburg , Pretoria , Cape Town , Durban , and Kenya , the practice engages in projects throughout Africa and beyond continually embracing social , economic , and functional challenges through ‘ Excellence by design ’. None of this would be possible without our incredible clients and Boogertman + Partners would like to thank everyone involved with these projects for making our success possible . AD