Africa Surveyors November-December 2022 digital issue

PROJECT
LM: I personally have been privileged to live in many different
places and to encounter many different cultures and societies. This
experience has been an eye-opener when it comes to my work as an
architect. Living in the similar places and in a similar social context
limits our ability to think outside of the box, it limits innovation. I try
to bring this mindset into every new project and look to extend the
teams and companies to work with to get as many different angles
as possible. On our projects we currently work with people from 5
different continents and many different countries and backgrounds.
With all these different opinions we aim to design optimized
structures together with the local parties. Their take, from the local
parties, on all these different ideas from the international team is –
and must be – leading in the decision-making process. Through this
process we can not only combine innovation with local solutions for
the projects at hand but also give a clear indication how to develop
local industrial production processes.
AS: What direction do you see the firm taking in the next ten
year, if you had to guess?
LM: | We are committed to grow the use of sustainable building
solutions especially in the place where this matters most; Africa.
We know that we cannot do this alone, but I hope we can inspire
through our visions and projects others to start doing the same. I thus
hope that in ten years’ time we will no longer be considered pioneers
and instead became another mainstream architectural company
building timber housing.
AS: Your advice for aspiring architects/firms, what is the most
challenging part of creating a successful practice?
LM: In my lectures I often include a sheet stating the following:
“best practice ≠ innovation” and “innovation = risk”. Many architects
these days use the words ‘innovation’ and ‘best practice’ in a single
sentence, if you want to be successful though you will need to
commit to one of both; building your office and architecture around
a best practice approach: optimizing the existing, or take the risk of
an innovative approach. Since most developers are risk-averse (they
want to maximize return of investment) the best-practice approach
is mainstream. It is not a coincidence that the building industry is
often considered as the least innovative industry. For those who are
following the innovative path, like we do, my advice is to stay true to
your vision, are not afraid to make mistakes and do not take anything
for granted. Innovation needs time, failure and perseverance to
eventually happen.
BURJ ZANZIBAR
Representing a young, vibrant and most of all sustainable
lifestyle, the building will allocate a mixture of studio,
1- and 2-bedroom apartments. Like all other apartments
the penthouses on the top floors of the tower will offer
extraordinary views towards ocean, city and island. Throughout
the building amenity and commercial spaces offer additional
value to residents and visitors alike. The green and sustainable
design concept combined with a well-balanced apartment mix
and amenity spaces contribute to an ever-evolving character of
the tower, combining mundane trends with local culture. ‘BURJ
zanzibar’ will become one of the island’s iconic new addresses.
All images are courtesy of OMT Architects
INNOVATIVE | The innovative layout of the tower allows
for highly flexible and adaptable apartment solutions. All
apartments, reaching from small studios to vast 2-bedroom
penthouses, are based on the same modular layout. Through
this design approach apartments of different layouts and sizes
can be allocated throughout all floors with maximum flexibility.
In addition to the increased flexibility this concept will also
contribute to an optimized construction time and enhanced
finished qualities.
A similar modular approach has been applied to the design
of the shell of the building. Utilizing only three types of
modules a playful facade has been created by alternating and
changing module depth and function. At the same time the
facade addresses the local climate by providing permanent
sun shading. The enclosed loggias and balconies contribute to
the private character of the apartment’s interior. These outdoor
spaces can be transformed into planter boxes but could also be
included in the apartment by implementing a panorama window.
This innovative and flexible architectural concept allows for
32 November-December issue l 2022 www.africasurveyorsonline.com