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The work in small groups leads to first preliminary designs

Before we dealt with the framework conditions of the building site, it was necessary to
familiarise ourselves with the country and its (building) culture. The climatic, economic
and infrastructural conditions are just as important for the design as the history and cul-
ture of the host country. In small groups we first gathered the most important information
in order to then deepen the analysis of Namibia's traditional building methods. We dealt
with issues relevant to the construction project. What materials are available? How can
we use them sustainably? What new approaches can we provide? An interesting dis-
course developed. The resulting advantages and disadvantages of the various methods
and materials were recorded as the basis for the preliminary designs. These were then
discussed again in detail in the whole group, analysed and again used for the joint design
to be implemented by 13 students on site.

The Omomas Care Center and the design of the outdoor space

The Omomas Care Center orphanage is situated around 200 kilometres south of Wind-
hoek. For more than ten years, it has been providing many needy children with a home
and access to education under the motto of " Helping them to help themselves". The aim
of this institution is, besides school education, to promote general manners, social be-
haviour, healthy nutrition, as well as sport, games and fun. Since the total number of orp- Der neue Raum bietet den Kindern viele Möglichkeiten. • The new space offers possibilities for children.
hans to be admitted to the centre has risen from 90 to 110, another girls' dormitory was
urgently needed. This new building is located directly next to the existing girls' dormitory
and is connected to it at the back via the new teachers' accommodation. The resulting
new outdoor space between the buildings had to be designed in a meaningful and useful
way. This was a challenging task. Our finally selected and elaborated design connects Detail der Primärkonstruktion mit Schattenmodulen • Detail: primary structure with shadow modules
the two buildings with a shadow roof and a punctuated brick wall. The primary structure
consists of seven rigid steel frames anchored in above-ground foundations, which are ne-
cessary due to the rocky ground and now serve as benches and pleasantly smooth play-
ing areas. Like the plateaus, which were designed as additional playing area, they were
formed on site and made of tamped concrete. The secondary structure consists of twelve
modules. These are made of C-profiles, round tubes and awning fabric and alternately
screwed to the primary structure. According to the principle of weaving, the result is a
dense shadow and effective ventilation of the exterior space, both ensuring that the
newly created space does not heat up excessively. The constantly changing shadow play
on the ground and walls creates a certain dynamic that changes in the course of the day.
We deliberately avoided internal supports or other room-dividing elements in order to
generate a flexible and freely usable outdoor space, as we did not want to restrict the
children’s creativity. In addition, we complemented the benches with recycled well-pre-
served car tyres that we redesigned as flexibly usable and moveable seats and tables.

A formative path from design to implemented project

Before an excursion, thoughts usually revolve around two important things: firstly, it is
usually an unknown place that you will travel to and secondly, you travel with a group
of people you are probably not familiar with. Looking back, however, it is clear that this
initial situation is a simple way to strengthen a community. A joint study trip, with an
11,770-kilometre journey there and thirteen students having to share one bathroom on
the spot, is a connecting experience. In addition to our construction activities, we were
immediately overwhelmed with so many unique and valuable impressions, such as the
hospitality at the Boscia Farm, the scenic beauty of Namibia and the cordiality of its
people, that the group got closer and closer each day. The children at the Omomas Care
Center were the focus of our design right from the start, but to get to know them in person
filled our project with life. Curious and energetic from the very first day–within the
bounds of their possibilities–they participated in the implementation and also invited us
into their world. The good working atmosphere on the construction site motivated us
anew every day and quickly made us forget our physical exertions. For me personally it
is a great feeling to know that this design, which is individually tailored to the needs of
the children of the Omomas Care Center, is my first project in which I was involved from
the first design ideas to the execution on site. It was wonderful to help improve the chil-
dren's quality of life through personal commitment and be part of a special team. Getting
to know people and ways of working in a faraway country has enriched me both as a
person and professionally, which I am very happy about. Grundriss Erdgeschoss • Ground floor plan

AIT 7/8.2019 • 055