Africa, a land rich in symbols and myths, carries these elements through its architecture. In West Africa, architecture is rooted in the use of mud, clay, and symbolic patterns. Buildings rise from the earth, symbolizing Mother Nature’s embrace.
Project Name: The maternity centre
Studio Name: olay studio
These symbols serve as a visual bridge to Africa’s deep cultural heritage, creating spaces that are not only functional but also culturally relevant. Patterns in African architecture act as a language—telling stories, conveying traditions, and expressing spiritual and societal beliefs. These patterns also represent social status, spiritual powers, and cultural messages.Every African tribe has its own myths, legends, and oral traditions. This project draws on these stories, with a particular focus on myths in which women play a central role. One such myth, from Togo, speaks of Uwolowu, the God who first created a woman, through whom all of humanity was born. In African society, a woman without children is often seen as incomplete, and the birth of a child symbolizes security for the family. While women may not always hold high status in society, their role in nurturing and giving birth makes them essential. This contrast of roles—where women often face gender inequality despite their vital position—guides the design, which combines functional architecture with symbolic patterns advocating gender equality.The project’s design is structured in three layers—cultural, functional, and climatic—as outlined below.
Cultural, Symbolic & Functional Layers:
Culture, Symbols, and Signs
In African culture, a woman symbolizes family, unity, motherhood, and survival. The design incorporates several African symbols:Nkonsonkonson (Chain): Symbolizing unity and community, this represents the woman’s central role in creating family bonds.Nyame Biribi WoSoro (Hope and Inspiration): As the pillar of the family, women support all family members through hardship and challenges.The form of the building reflects these symbols: two ovals—one large and high (representing men) and the other smaller and lower (representing women)—are placed in front of each other, illustrating gender distinctions and inequalities. The rectangular connecting volume symbolizes the dissolution of gender barriers, creating unity and equality (like a child bridging the gap between parents). The oval shapes evoke life, rebirth, fertility, and immortality, while the rectangle grounds the design in the earth.
Duafe: This symbol represents feminine virtues such as patience, love, and care. To reflect this, the two ovals are surrounded by bamboo stalks, embracing the volumes like a mother holding her child.
Ebon Fence: Symbolizing safety, security, and love, this pattern is drawn from African textiles and incorporated at the main entrance. The shadows cast by these patterns further emphasize the symbolism.
Baobab and Fractal Geometry: The iconic Baobab tree, a symbol of community and storytelling in African culture, also inspires the design. The entrance is framed by this symbol to enhance the connection to collective gatherings.
Functionality
The layout is divided into open, semi-open, and closed spaces, ensuring clear access hierarchies without interference. On entering from the east, visitors access the reception area, waiting space, and staff areas. To the south, essential services such as the bathroom, pharmacy, and café are located, while on the north side, the ward, maternity, labor rooms, operating theater, and neonatal observation spaces are arranged. To prevent functional overlap, patient and visitor access is separated from staff access, with distinct corridors on the east and west sides.
Climate and Nature
The design employs a variety of climate-responsive strategies to adapt to the local environment. Materials like earth, bamboo, and low openings help regulate temperatures. The use of large openings, high ceilings, and a double-layered roof allows for natural airflow throughout the space. A raised floor design facilitates cooling and accommodates plumbing and ventilation systems. The roof structure collects rainwater for reuse, and bamboo and terracotta pipes are integrated into the building for ventilation and to channel cool air. The south and north sides feature plants and water elements, utilizing evaporative cooling. Colored glass bottles embedded in the walls reduce glare and heat while also keeping insects at bay.
Hygiene
Mental health, public health, and sexual health are key aspects of societal development. The design provides a platform for discussion and healing, especially for women, through the spatial separation of functions. Spaces for waiting, sitting, and play are integrated under the central oval form, creating a therapeutic environment where mothers and children can interact. The careful organization of spaces encourages social interaction and helps prolong the life of the space as a community hub.
Materials:
The project utilizes three main materials: earthbags, bamboo, and earth bricks.
Earthbags: The primary construction material, ideal for ease of construction, sustainability, and thermal resistance. Earthbags require no foundation or columns, making them particularly suited for curved surfaces. The walls are reinforced with barbed wire, rebars, and iron mesh.
Bamboo: Used for the roof structure, bamboo is lightweight, flexible, and aesthetically beautiful. The roof is designed to allow for the installation of various materials like clay, cement, or fabric based on the needs of the space.
