Freetown Resources
Research Phase
dAfter completing Assignment 07, students will have gained a deeper understanding of the local materials and skills in Freetown, with the goal of developing architectural solutions that are both sustainable and culturally sensitive. The assignment will empower students to be bold and visionary in their approach to design, emphasizing the integration of historical wisdom and local craftsmanship with innovative, forward-thinking architectural practices.
Students will be encouraged to take an ambitious stance on the project, blending traditional materials and techniques with modern solutions to create powerful, community-driven housing designs. Students will conduct research on three key fabrication sources in Freetown, focusing on sustainability, availability, and relevance to the community's needs. This will involve exploring materials such as recycled metal, plastic, tires, bamboo, mud bricks, and passive air cooling systems. Additionally, students will investigate local fabrication techniques and work with craftspeople and laborers to understand their skills, needs, and creative processes. This research will culminate in a list of locally available materials that can be used in the project, ensuring that the design aligns with the resources Freetown has to offer.
The interview process will allow students to engage directly with local artisans, documenting their processes through sketches, notes, and photographs. This documentation will provide valuable insights into the craftsmanship that defines Freetown's construction culture.
Additionally, students will explore the insights of Yasmeen Lari, focusing on her sustainable and culturally sensitive design approaches, and reflect on how these can be applied to Freetown’s context. Students will also delve into Peter Mabeo’s design philosophy, analyzing how local artisans’ skill sets can shape and enhance the project’s design. By synthesizing these various influences, students will develop a comprehensive and community-centric approach to housing design that emphasizes sustainability, local resourcefulness, and cultural sensitivity.
The interview process will allow students to engage directly with local artisans, documenting their processes through sketches, notes, and photographs. This documentation will provide valuable insights into the craftsmanship that defines Freetown's construction culture.
Additionally, students will explore the insights of Yasmeen Lari, focusing on her sustainable and culturally sensitive design approaches, and reflect on how these can be applied to Freetown’s context. Students will also delve into Peter Mabeo’s design philosophy, analyzing how local artisans’ skill sets can shape and enhance the project’s design. By synthesizing these various influences, students will develop a comprehensive and community-centric approach to housing design that emphasizes sustainability, local resourcefulness, and cultural sensitivity.
Highlights
Murad & Alisha
The Ol Salone Brick Factory in Sierra Leone focuses on sustainable construction by producing eco-friendly bricks using local materials. This initiative supports the local economy, reduces environmental impact, and promotes the use of traditional building methods, offering affordable housing solutions while empowering the community.
Mohammed & James
Earth bag architecture is a sustainable building method using polypropylene bags filled with soil to create strong, durable structures. The technique offers low-cost, energy-efficient housing, with excellent thermal insulation and earthquake resistance. It encourages the use of locally available materials, promoting eco-friendly construction while empowering communities.
Library
PDF File Download
PDF File Download
PDF File Download
PDF File Download
PDF File Download