African project
Magoda Project – Tanzania
T
he Magoda Project is a series of eight prototype
houses located in Tanzania. Designed in
collaboration with the local community, the
prototypes are prime examples of innovative
architecture to enhance health and well-being
in sub-Saharan Africa – a region highly prone to
infectious diseases, acquired in and around the
home.
It is a necessity in this resource-poor region
to minimise contact between disease vectors and people,
especially during hot and humid seasons. Typical low-cost
African houses tend to have mud or brick walls with few (if
any) windows. Floors are rarely raised, airflow is minimal and
cooking is often done indoors. When used properly, bednets
are highly protective against Malaria. However, airflow is
reduced by bednets, contributing to the discomfort of sleeping
in poorly ventilated houses.
The aim of the The Magoda Project is to construct innovativelydesigned houses to be occupied by local residents in Magoda.
These prototypes will integrate Asian architectural features (to
optimise airflow) with traditional African building methods.
The objectives of the project are:
• To develop housing designs which optimise comfort and
health in rural African homes.
• To construct an ensemble of 8 rural African Homes to explore
the feasibility and acceptability of the designs.
• To develop locally appropriate structures for water supply,
sanitation and cooking facilities.
• To evaluate the indoor climate resulting from different house
designs, modifications and building materials.
• To evaluate whether the insect screens can prevent insect
entry.
• To estimate the economic cost of various house modifications
and designs using different local materials.
• To engage local community leaders and important
stakeholders to increase acceptance of the new designs
towards improved uptake and dissemination.
In 2014/15 eight homes were constructed in Magoda, a rural
village in Tanga region, Tanzania. The basic building types are
single and double storey buildings. The materials used for
walls and cladding are wood, bamboo, shade nets, and insect
screens.
The process of allocation and construction has been recorded
in a documentary and other visual materials. The analysis
of acceptance, economic and entomological studies will be
presented in the future.
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