YEAR: 2022-02

TYPE: Master´s Project – Course Urban Shelter

UNIVERSITY: Lund University

LOCATION: Kawe, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

TAGS: Urban Design | Sustainability | Academic

V+ is a concept that incorporates verandas into the design, with the
name „V+“ standing for „Verandas Plus.“ The mixed-use design aims to provide
residents with income through commercial areas, farming on the top floors,
and solutions for improved living through internal courtyards and social
spaces.

V+ uses locally sourced clay bricks with a concrete structure, and the
bricks will also be used as a shading element and decorative feature on the
facades. The suspended verandas will have a pattern inspired by African
culture and will provide accessible walkways from the ground floor to the sixth
floor. The facades will also feature street art inspired by African vernacular
architecture, highlighting the unique identity of the building.

1st – Identity The first aspect, identity, involves designing the building as a mixed-use space. The ground floor will feature commercial areas, while the second through fourth floors will contain apartments. There will also be two courtyards, one for the building and one for the commercial areas. The apartments will come in two sizes, a two-bedroom unit with 64m2 and a one-bedroom unit with 32m2. The roof will be used for farming, allowing for the cultivation of locally grown food. There will also be community spaces on the upper floors. Artistic elements, such as African vernacular architecture and street art on the facades, will also be incorporated to make the building a unique asset or landmark. Ramps will connect the various floors.

2nd – Permaculture The second aspect, permaculture, involves using local materials, such as clay and cement bricks, and incorporating farming on the top floors. The suspended verandas and courtyards will also be used as social spaces, with one courtyard equipped with a playground and shaded areas for socialization, and the other serving as a commercial space for the ground-floor stores.

3rd – Suspended Verandas The suspended verandas, the main focus of the design, will bring the social aspects of Tanzanian culture to the building, providing shaded walkable pathways and social verandas on each floor. These verandas will offer bench seating and provide a space for people to sit and socialize, replicating the social spaces that are so valued in Dar es Salaam. By incorporating these elements, V+ aims to create a unique and culturally sensitive housing design that meets the needs of the people of Dar es Salaam.