2024 - Light of Day Oasis

The ”Light of Day Oasis Pavilion” is a community-centered space designed primarily as a community hub for Bongo, a tourism destination, in the Upper East Region of Ghana, that can also be replicated all over in marginalized communities lacking reliable electricity by leveraging natural lighting and sustainable design principles. Inspired by Francis Kere’s Gandos Primary School and the intricate design of ant mounds, which showcase a remarkable sense of community and environmental adaptation, this pavilion provides a sanctuary for learning, social events, and spiritual healing. The design draws on the ant mound’s ability to regulate temperature and maximize natural light, transforming traditional elements into modern architectural solutions. By using locally sourced materials such as mud and honeycomb bricks, the pavilion ensures sustainability and resilience. Its roof incorporates engineered clay pots, enhanced with highly reflective tubes from VELUX sun tunnels to channel pure natural light into the structure without altering its color, ensuring well-lit spaces even during overcast days and supporting passive air circulation for a comfortable indoor climate.
The pavilion’s health and well-being focus is evident in the integration of green spaces, with central courtyards featuring rock gardens and vegetation that promote mental well-being, and an outdoor amphitheater connecting various pavilions for multifunctional community gatherings. Modular in design, the pavilion can be easily replicated in other marginalized communities, addressing various social and infrastructural needs beyond Bongo. Functionally, it serves as a central space for learning, community meetings, workshops, cultural performances, recreational activities, and spiritual practices, all benefiting from ample natural light, minimizing the need for artificial lighting and reducing energy consumption. Additionally, it includes designated prayer areas for the predominantly Islamic population, thoughtfully oriented and illuminated to create tranquil environments for spiritual activities.
Incorporating principles of basic optics and materials science, the pavilion uses reflective tubes to ensure natural light reaches all corners, enhancing visibility and creating a vibrant atmosphere. Addressing contemporary challenges such as lack of electricity, infrastructural deficits, and promoting sustainable living through local materials and passive environmental control strategies, the Light of Day Oasis Pavilion stands as a beacon of innovation. Combining traditional techniques with modern technologies, it creates a sustainable, healthy, and inspiring community hub, meeting immediate social needs while setting a precedent for future architectural endeavors in similar contexts. Embracing an open-minded and experimental approach, this project embodies the spirit of the ”Light of Tomorrow,” illuminating paths toward a brighter and more inclusive future for marginalized communities.
Furthermore, the design of the Light of Day Oasis Pavilion integrates several innovative elements to enhance its functionality and sustainability. The use of engineered clay pots in the roof structure not only channels daylight effectively but also provides a unique aesthetic that resonates with the local cultural heritage. This method of natural illumination is complemented by the strategic placement of openings and reflective surfaces that maximize the distribution of light within the interior spaces, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and fostering a connection with the natural environment.
The pavilion’s architecture also incorporates passive cooling techniques to mitigate the region’s hot climate. The honeycomb brick walls, along with the strategic placement of vegetation, create a microclimate that cools the air naturally. The central courtyards act as ventilation shafts, drawing cool air in and expelling hot air, thus maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the pavilion throughout the day.
Community involvement will be a cornerstone of the pavilion’s construction process. By engaging local artisans and utilizing locally available materials, the project not only supports the local economy but also ensures that the construction techniques are well-suited to the region’s environmental conditions. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership among the community members, ensuring the pavilion’s long-term sustainability and maintenance.
The pavilion’s multifunctional design allows it to serve various community needs beyond its primary role as a community hub. The outdoor amphitheater can host educational workshops, cultural performances, and community meetings, making it a versatile space that adapts to the changing needs of the community. The inclusion of recreational spaces for children ensures that the pavilion is a welcoming and engaging environment for all age groups, promoting social interaction and lifelong learning.
The Light of Day Oasis Pavilion, in conclusion, is a visionary project that exemplifies the potential of sustainable design to address pressing social and infrastructural challenges in marginalized communities. By harmonizing modern technologies with traditional building practices and drawing inspiration from the natural design of ant mounds, the pavilion not only provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment but also promotes environmental stewardship and community empowerment.