Women’s Arena
Kaira Looro Competition
Our design idea evolves from the question “How architecture could contribute to achieving the empowerment of women in the community?”. We find out that the woman’s house should contain an area that is established as community territory. This area should contain two main functions: the arena and the community working area.
Teamwork < Ahd Farrag, Hossam Elyamani
This work produced for a competition submission by Karia Looro
Early Design Sketches
Design Challenge
Our design idea evolves from the question “How architecture could contribute to achieving the empowerment of women in the community?”. We find out that the woman’s house should contain an area that is established as community territory. This area should contain two main functions: the arena and the community working area.
The arena is designed for public meetings, rallies, and discussions, and is planned according to the following considerations:
Public Accessibility: To attract and accommodate large crowds, the arena must be completely open for walk-in access, without any doors separating it from the outside world. It should offer the same openness and public nature as a park.
Climate Control: The arena should incorporate some form of enclosure to maintain a comfortable climate for its users.
Encouraging Discussions: The design of the arena should be conducive to facilitating public discussions, both formal and informal.
Essential Features: The arena should be equipped with walls to display day-to-day notices and posters, as well as microphones and loudspeakers for effective communication.
Regarding the community project space, it is defined by two primary functions:
Community Ownership: The space should be owned by the community, with minimal administrative bureaucracies to allow for greater community participation and control.
Political Offices: The community project space should also include offices for local political bodies and subcommittees that have control over its management.
A View from Inner Courtyard
MATERIAL SELECTION
Using natural and locally sourced materials is crucial for achieving sustainability and durability in the construction process while ensuring affordability for the growth of the women's house. The chosen materials and their applications are as follows:
Foundation: Car tires filled with earth and black clay material are utilized as the foundation. This approach ensures the utilization of all available tires in the surrounding area and incorporates them into the construction process.
Outer Skeleton and Ring Beams: Concrete is selectively used for the outer skeleton and ring beams to ensure stability and durability of the entire structure.
Walls: Earth blocks are employed for constructing the walls, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly building material.
Roof Structure: Rosewood beams, along with straws and wild bamboo sticks, are utilized for the roof structure. These natural materials contribute to the overall sustainability and aesthetic appeal of the house.
By utilizing these materials, the construction process becomes more eco-friendly, cost-effective, and durable, promoting sustainability in the growth of the women's house.
