Nigeria is one of the most culturally diverse and wealthiest countries in the world. With natural resources such as gas, tin, iron ore, limestone and oil, just to name a few, you'd think that my native country with the blessings of wealth and visions of prosperity would be leading the way environmentally.
However, this is not the case, with dense long stretched miles of slums and garbage, black chocking smoke that runs through the villages and mass towns and natural resources going to waste, a solution is very much needed. This is a great time for Nigeria, home to 170 million as of 2012, it is booming economically and is Africa's leading oil producing country, to be ranked 4th globally. Amidst all the poverty in the country, there lies happiness.
To my belief, I think Nigeria is the happiest place on Earth and no I didn't check any facts, these are my opinions, but this is how great Nigeria is. We are continuously growing and there are great opportunities for us to excel, but the key to all of this is education. NLE Architects are one of many who are creating these solutions,with sponsering from United Nations Development Programme and the Heinrich Boell Foundation, these Architects have designed a Floating School in Makoko, Lagos.
Geographically, in Makoko, waters are steadily rising which means that many are struggling to adapt to the swift currents and tides. Dubbed to be the "Venice of Africa", implementing this will not only encourage the community to understand their environment, but also it will strengthen their education. Using local materials, which reflect the culture of the community, wood is used as the main material and is structured in a triangular A-Frame.
Inside, are class rooms, toilets and a playground which are surrounded by public green spaces. The roof contains an open air classroom with natural ventilation and introduces a rainwater catchment system encouraging more sustainabilty. That is not all, but the roof sees PV cells that will help with electricity which is not only good for Makoko, but also for Nigeria. This is a great strategy as this could easily emphasise more solar energy in the country, as the demand for electricity is extremely unreliable, known to only last between 1 to 2 hours before it gets completely cut off.
Many have asked the question, but how does it stay afloat?
NLE vision was not just to design a school but also to bring new layers of homes that follow the same aesthetic. This is phase two. The final phase will see an entire community fully equipped to deal with future flooding problems whilst maintaining a good quality life.
Inside, are class rooms, toilets and a playground which are surrounded by public green spaces. The roof contains an open air classroom with natural ventilation and introduces a rainwater catchment system encouraging more sustainabilty. That is not all, but the roof sees PV cells that will help with electricity which is not only good for Makoko, but also for Nigeria. This is a great strategy as this could easily emphasise more solar energy in the country, as the demand for electricity is extremely unreliable, known to only last between 1 to 2 hours before it gets completely cut off.
Many have asked the question, but how does it stay afloat?
Typical barrels that are seen in many places in Makoko are grouped together securely and used as a base and also for the catchment system.
NLE vision was not just to design a school but also to bring new layers of homes that follow the same aesthetic. This is phase two. The final phase will see an entire community fully equipped to deal with future flooding problems whilst maintaining a good quality life.
Already nominated for "Design of the Year" award, it not only encourages hope but also addresses the social and environmental aspects, bringing awareness to the natural resources in a wealthy country that does not understand how wealthy it really is.
Makoko Floating School photos © NLÉ architects
If you can't get enough of the floating school, watch this youtube video.
Makoko Floating School photos © NLÉ architects
If you can't get enough of the floating school, watch this youtube video.
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