Koji Tsutsui – Mukwano Home

The HIV virus was first identified in 1982 in the province of Raki, Uganda. Designed as a composition allowing for an organic future growth, the orphanage will be home to masses of children who lost their parents and were thus orphaned at a tender age because of this illness. The basic constituents of the composition are a total of eight boxes grouped in a cluster around central courtyards of various sizes and functions. The frame – which is roofed, but left open in the middle – is made up of two bedrooms, three classrooms, two offices and a wet area. The pattern follows fixed rules. The boxes are rectangular blocks, and the neighbouring units are juxtaposed radially at 45º with a minimal interval of 120 centimetres between them. This strict system permits the spread of the pattern and thus the extension of the development later on. Designs reflect respect for traditions and the concept of sustainability as a rule. The focus of each enclosure is a tree under which children can gather. Joining the centre, the roofed triangular spaces among the boxes provide space for a variety of activities. In line with the primary goal, which is private construction, the components can be built with traditional means and without in-depth engineering expertise or technological skills. Wrapped in solar panels, the planes of the simple unbroken timber roof project in every direction above the masonry walls. Also, just like leaves of a tree, they collect rainwater to be channelled into a cistern. If this structure proves to be viable, the small concentrically organised modules could be used to develop a homogeneous fabric with several centres which may function as a healthy village.