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Article Title

The Omo

Abstract

Honorable Mention

Inspired by the Omo River in Ethiopia.

What inspired you to enter this special competition to create a modern architectural language for Africa?

A unique opportunity to celebrate people of Africa and their culture by providing a beautiful design of their future home.

What did you find most interesting or challenging during the research and development of your prototype?

The most challenging aspect of this project, but also one of the most fascinating things was the vast diversity of different cultures and ways people live in Africa that makes it hard to design but provides an ocean of inspirations and references.

Why do you believe African homeowners will be interested in building a home such as the one you have submitted today?

Low cost, short terms and simplicity of construction, as well as its connection to the outside spaces make the proposed design of a clear benefit. Its welcoming and warm appearance with family oriented design will become an ideal home.

Plan consists of the main spaces you would expect in modern home, such as an entrance hall, kitchen, dining area, bedroom, master bedroom, guest room, and patio with open kitchen. By organizing kitchen, dining, and open kitchen on one axis provides a good connection between spaces and gives a nice view outside to open kitchen and courtyard.

Aesthetics

Facade tries to be strait and organic at the same time to fit well in a natural landscape. Most parts of elevations are made from rammed earth wall structures with natural ripple pattern that reminds wave ripples on a surface of Omo river. On windows, mashrabiya screens where used to protect from heating issues. Pattern is based on original plan design of a building itself which reminds traditional patterns used in African rugs and cloth.

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