Mara Action Aid

A sun-responsive, innovative multipurpose campus in Narok that minimizes east-west wall exposure and leverages shaded north-south facades to reduce solar gain, promoting comfort and sustainability.

place Africa, Kenya, Narok KEN 04
Surface 8.100 mts.2 Date Finished:
November 1, 2021.
Phase Ongoing. Type Education.
Target Group Children. Partner .
Client . Donor .
Tecnology Passive

1. Observe.

Why, context, challenge.

Observations at the Narok site revealed a challenging climate marked by intense morning and evening solar exposure, necessitating a design that minimizes thermal gain. Local stakeholders expressed the need for a multifunctional campus that not only serves educational, healthcare, and residential purposes but also provides comfortable communal spaces amid a harsh sun. Detailed sun path and wind analyses—supported by custom diagrams—highlighted that the most effective strategy was to reduce the wall area on the east and west sides. This approach would limit direct solar gain during the hottest parts of the day while allowing the longer north and south facades to be optimized for shading. Additionally, community input stressed that outdoor spaces should be inviting and cool enough for gatherings, offering relief from the climate’s rigors. The overall vision emerged from a desire to create an adaptable, iterative design that responds dynamically to both climatic conditions and functional requirements. Stakeholders appreciated that every element—from the arrangement of spaces like the dining hall, nurse room, and classrooms to the orientation of living quarters—was informed by careful environmental analysis. This comprehensive observation process laid the groundwork for a campus design that is not only sustainable but also culturally and functionally resonant with the needs of Mara Action Aid’s beneficiaries. 

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3. Approach.

How, strategy, interact

Our approach is driven by meticulous solar and wind analysis to develop a climate-responsive campus. The design minimizes east-west wall exposure, thereby reducing solar gain during critical morning and evening hours, while elongated north and south facades create naturally shaded zones. Collaborative workshops with local stakeholders, engineers, and architects refined the spatial organization to seamlessly integrate educational, healthcare, and residential functions. This iterative process, guided by detailed diagrams and community feedback, allowed us to optimize natural ventilation, light, and circulation. Sustainable, locally adapted construction methods underpin the strategy, ensuring cost-effective and durable solutions. The result is a flexible, multifunctional campus that enhances comfort, fosters community interaction, and meets the diverse needs of Mara Action Aid. 

Design

4. Design.

Programmering, development, co-create.

The Mara Action Aid campus is envisioned as a harmonious, multifunctional hub in Narok that marries form and function through a sun-responsive design. Central to the design is a strategy that minimizes wall exposure on the east and west, thereby reducing solar heat gain during the intense morning and evening sun. In contrast, the extensive north and south facades are designed with generous overhangs and shading devices to create cool, inviting communal areas. The campus is organized into clear functional zones, including a dining hall, nurse room, classrooms, and dedicated living quarters for staff. Detailed analysis of sun paths and wind patterns, illustrated by custom diagrams, informed the placement of these zones to optimize natural ventilation and daylight while mitigating heat. The design incorporates interconnected courtyards and transition spaces that facilitate fluid circulation and flexible use, ensuring that each area can adapt to evolving needs. Sustainable materials and locally appropriate construction techniques are prioritized to enhance durability and energy efficiency. Throughout the iterative design process, close collaboration with local stakeholders ensured that the final layout resonated with community values and practical requirements. The campus thus stands as a model of climate-responsive, sustainable design that supports Mara Action Aid’s diverse functions and fosters a resilient, comfortable environment for its beneficiaries. 

Who participate

Jan Godzimirski

Jan Godzimirski

Architect - Project Achitect - jan@augnorge.org
Jan Kazimierz Godzimirski, a 2018 graduate from the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, is an architect focused on sustainable and simple design. His experience spans interdisciplinary research, collaborations with indigenous communities, museum conservation, and various architectural projects. From 2017 to 2019, he taught at the Scarcity and Creativity Studio, exploring design, craftsmanship and materials. Jan has also been involved with the Eco Moyo Education Centre in Kenya, supporting educational infrastructure, and with Wielozmysly in Poland, advancing accessible art for the visually impaired. His recent work with Architects Without Borders in Africa and Ukraine reflects his commitment to using architecture for positive change.

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