NLE architects: floating school in makoko
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'floating school' by nle architects, lagos, nigeria
image © NLÉ architects
in a geographically changing world where water levels are steadily rising, many coastal and waterfront communities are finding themselves
inundated with the problem of adaptive housing solutions that withstand swelling tides and swift currents. flood-proof schemes are
floating around most commonly implementing various stilt systems to elevate the structure above predetermined water lines,
but even this solution becomes static at a certain point. NLÉ architects has been working on a three-phase plan for the waterfront community
of makoko in lagos, nigeria that will transform the already buoyant city into a contemporary community on the water's surface with
independent floating structures made of local materials applied in new ways.
phase one of the project consists in the realization of the 'makoko floating school,' a triangular form in section constructed with a parallel series
of timber A-frames on a platform supported by emptied blue barrels. the three-storey structure contains classrooms on the middle level
in enclosed volumes flanked by public green space and playground below, and an additional open-air rooftop classroom above.
rooftop PV cells on the roof collect solar energy, coupled with water catchment systems make the dynamic educational facility partially self sustainable.
slender wooden slats create a shading device along the outer envelope along with well ventilated spaces to maintain a comfortable interior environment.
before roof construction
image © NLÉ architects
phase two includes the construction of floating housing units that can be interlocked or float independently. following the same aesthetic
and functional principles as the school, the houses will also contain a state-of-the-art device designed by japanese company air danshin systems inc
that detects certain movements (such as earthquake tremors) and activated a compressor that pumps air into a chamber below the structure so that the
dwellings may navigate safely over a flood plain. the final phase will see the creation of an entire floating community fully equipped to deal with
flooding problems while maintaining an improved quality of life. scheduled for completion for the end of 2014, the master plan is expected to mark
a new wave in resilient architecture in high-water zones.
classroom construction
image © NLÉ architects
primary structural frame
image © NLÉ architects
community involvement in construction
image © NLÉ architects
local labor and materials
image © NLÉ architects
image © NLÉ architects
building the first level
image © NLÉ architects
image © NLÉ architects
completed floating foundation
image © NLÉ architects
image © NLÉ architects
construction of floating base prototype
image © NLÉ architects
acquisition of local material
image © NLÉ architects
phase 2 plan
image © NLÉ architects
sustainable strategies
image © NLÉ architects
master plan diagram
image © NLÉ architects
What a fascinating project. It reminds me of similar work by the Metabolists architects in Japan during the 1950s and 60s as they tried to address Japan’s land crunch. To learn more about them I would suggest Ren Koolhaas’s book “Project Japan: Metabolism Speaks.”
float
Sign of the tides – very exciting project
This is awesome!!!
This is fascinating well done NLE. I attended an Exhibition early in 2011 where a young architect presented an extensive study carried out on Makoko exploring the very ideology shown here. Its great to see the idea as a reality. I don’t remember it being NLE but non the less it is great to see it executed! Exciting times for Nigerian architecture.
Pure Evolution…..
Pure Evolution……………
Very compelling. I do wonder about waste systems though, and how that might be handled in an aquatic environment.
This is pretty awesome. Great work! There are quite a few marvelous structures built around the world. I have also tried compiling a list of some of the most unusual buildings here http://www.artatm.com/2012/01/70-really-creative-and-funny-buildings-and-architectures/
Great idea . Maybe you can think of a sustainable aquatic informal city.
OMG! I grew up in this area and have always been fascinated by the floating community…this is awesome project!!!!