Boogertman + Partners Architects

The Wangari Muta Maathai House

Boogertman + Partners Architects
14. February 2017

PROJECT DETAILS

Client

The Wangari Muta Maathai Foundation

Architect
Boogertman + Partners Architects

Project Directors
Bob van Bebber, Johann de Wet

Team
Judith Paterson, Dilushka Barlow

Site area
8.2 Acres

Green Belt Movement Offices area
2.2 Acres

Wangari Maathai Foundation area
​6 Acres

The Wangari Muta Maathai House was selected as the winner in the Future Buildings: Culture category at the 2016 World Architecture Festival.

Approach from Parking Area (Image: Boogertman + Partners Architects)

Approaching the structural ring on foot, enveloped by the forest, one walks along the timber-decked route. Following the route, one crosses a body of water to enter beneath the structural ring, which floats overhead. The site then lifts naturally to support the underside of this ring and eventually envelope the auditorium component, at the rear.

View from the Water Element (Image: Boogertman + Partners Architects)

The circular form symbolises the simplicity embodied in the basic cycle of nature. The form, embedded within ethereal forest physically manifests the notion of ‘walks and talks’ – communicating the salient points of Wangari’s legacy - a childhood sense of wonder coalesced with the ethics of taking action.

Aerial View (Image: Boogertman + Partners Architects)

The open, encircled courtyard is the focus, as it maintains a connection with the trees. It contains the Amphitheatre, an informal raised berm and the Mausoleum, a quiet, subterranean space. The exhibition space, library, conference centre and functional areas are accommodated in the structural ring.

Courtyard Approach (Image: Boogertman + Partners Architects)
Masterplan (Drawing: Boogertman + Partners Architects)
Section A (Drawing: Boogertman + Partners Architects)
Section B (Drawing: Boogertman + Partners Architects)
Sketch (Drawing: Boogertman + Partners Architects)
Sketch (Drawing: Boogertman + Partners Architects)
Sketch (Drawing: Boogertman + Partners Architects)

PROJECT DETAILS

Client

The Wangari Muta Maathai Foundation

Architect
Boogertman + Partners Architects

Project Directors
Bob van Bebber, Johann de Wet

Team
Judith Paterson, Dilushka Barlow

Site area
8.2 Acres

Green Belt Movement Offices area
2.2 Acres

Wangari Maathai Foundation area
​6 Acres

The Wangari Muta Maathai House was selected as the winner in the Future Buildings: Culture category at the 2016 World Architecture Festival.

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