The Startup Lions Campus, a creation of Kéré Architecture, embodies innovation and sustainability in Turkana County, Kenya. Realized between 2019 and 2021, this 1,416 sqm campus addresses the significant challenge of youth unemployment in the region. It provides high-level training and access to international job opportunities, enabling young entrepreneurs to flourish professionally without needing to relocate. More than just a structure, the campus represents a progressive stride in the expansion of ICT networks in remote areas.
Startup Lions Campus Technical Information
- Architects1-5: Kéré Architecture
- Location: Turkana County, Kenya
- Area: 1,416 m2
- Project Year: 2019-2021
- Photographs: © Kinan Deeb
The role of the architect is to give people dreams and to help them achieve those dreams.
– Francis Kéré 1-2
Startup Lions Campus Photographs
The Innovative Design of Startup Lions Campus
Positioned on the picturesque banks of Lake Turkana, the campus is a celebration of its unique environmental context. Constructed over two levels following the natural terrain, it features expansive roof terraces that command stunning views of the lake. These terraces, shaded by creeping vegetation, become serene meeting spaces fostering an informal exchange of ideas. This thoughtful design aligns with the natural beauty of the site, making the campus a part of the landscape rather than an imposition on it.
In a striking blend of nature and architecture, the campus draws inspiration from the towering termite mounds prevalent in the region. It incorporates tall ventilation towers that create a natural cooling system through the stack effect. This ingenious design extracts warm air and introduces fresh air through low-level openings, efficiently cooling the main working spaces. This feature is particularly beneficial in maintaining the integrity of the sensitive IT equipment against dust and high temperatures. More than functional, these towers stand as landmarks, symbolizing the fusion of traditional inspiration and modern technology.
Sustainability and community involvement were at the heart of the material selection and construction techniques. The campus is built with locally sourced quarry stone, finished with plaster. This choice reflects a balance between ecological sustainability, cost, and availability, while also incorporating the expertise and experience of the local community. The construction not only respects the environment but also fosters a sense of ownership and connection among the locals.
Encompassing five buildings filled with classrooms and workshops, the campus layout adapts gracefully to the site’s irregularities. The design scatters these structures in levels around a central courtyard, connected by terraces that open out to the breathtaking surroundings. This spatial arrangement not only enhances the functionality of the campus but also integrates it seamlessly with the environment.
The Startup Lions Campus by Kéré Architecture is more than just an educational facility; it’s a symbol of hope and progress. It beautifully marries technological advancement with ecological sensibility and cultural reverence. In doing so, it sets a precedent for future developments not just in Africa, but globally, highlighting how architecture can play a pivotal role in social and economic empowerment.
Startup Lions Campus Plans
Startup Lions Campus Image Gallery
About Kéré Architecture
Kéré Architecture is an internationally acclaimed architectural firm founded by Diébédo Francis Kéré, an architect from Burkina Faso. Renowned for its commitment to social and environmental sustainability, the firm specializes in creating innovative designs that are both culturally sensitive and environmentally responsible. Kéré’s approach often involves the use of local materials and participatory design processes, ensuring that projects are not only ecologically sustainable but also deeply integrated with the community’s needs and cultural practices. The firm’s work, characterized by its creative use of natural light, ventilation, and local resources, has earned widespread recognition for bridging the gap between traditional building techniques and contemporary architectural design.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Client: Learning Lions gUG (haftungsbeschränkt)
- Design Team: Kinan Deeb, Andrea Maretto
- Contributors: Juan Carlos Zapata, Leonne Vögelin, Charles André, Malak Nasreldin
- Collaborators: BuildX Studio
- This quote encapsulates Kéré’s philosophy of architecture as a means to inspire and empower communities. His work often involves engaging local populations in the design and building process, ensuring that the architecture not only meets practical needs but also resonates with the cultural and environmental context of its location. Kéré’s approach to architecture is deeply rooted in his belief in the transformative power of design to improve lives and foster community development.
- a+u 22:05, 620: Feature: Francis Kere by A+U Publishing
