Fun + Meaning2 = 2030 finals

WeBuilt: Africa

WeAll know that our immediate physical environment has a significant effect on our psyche; socially, psychologically, emotionally and beyond. WeAlso know that there are hundreds of people working and living in the tectonically and aesthetically worn out structures we see way too often on our many streets. WeHave become accustomed to the obvious cry for help and as a result,forgotten that ultimately, the deteriorating condition of 'those' places will reflect subconsciously or consciously on its immediate inhabitants. WeTalk endlessly about change, constantly voicing our dissatisfaction with the current state of the African populace but ironically, limit ourselves, opting to political changes as the only solution. WeBuilt: Africa is a social enterprise that hopes to implement change with contemporary architecture and design by redesigning and rebuilding the worn out market stalls and eventually homes with recycled building materials across the slums of its many countries. WeBelieve contemporary design is meant for all and not just 'high society' so, WeIntend to introduce innovative architecture with the influence of respective pre-existing conditions. In essence, WeRedesign a stall for example, with select materials used in it's original design as well as maintaining its initial overall design. The building process is estimated to last no more than 24 hours per stall as the pieces will be prefabricated then assembled on site, think full scale lego pieces for reference. WeBuilt: Africa is what it means, a collective effort of WeAfricans, providing the vtial tools to for the African who has in actuality, been forgotten.

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Fun + Meaning2 = 2030 semi finals

Semi - WeBuilt: AFRICA Fun + Meaning2 = 2030 semi finals

In order to build trust with the market populace, I thought to start small with the piece above and eventuality progress to the market stall model. The 'Bi-Table Unit' for butchers was installed at Ajah market on 28th of May 2011. I finally got to discuss the design with some of the meat sellers, they gave amazing feedback on ways to improve the design by highlighting what needed more work, what they would add to the design and of course, what they detested. A revised version of the unit is in progress and once finalized, will be fabricated for mass production. The Carry-Go unit will be taken to the market soon for feedback as soon as the test pieces are completed and the stall model after that. Bar some difficulties in pretty much each step of the project, one is done! Millions more to go. Whoop!

www.webuilt.org

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