Kondoliko

The project “Hygiene Point” is set in a Togolese village called Djamdé. For us, a hygiene point is a structure that is serving the local community. That is why our design is kept simple, modular, scalable and flexible. It therefore offers room for development and growth and gets enriched by the participation of the community. Furthermore, it not only addresses the topic of hygiene and health but more so becomes a so to speak “safe space” for everyone living the community. Throughout the design, our guiding theme was the circle. It has a special meaning and value in a lot of different african cultures. By having neither a start, nor an end it represents immortality and infinity. Our goal was to develop this traditional symbol further and to translate it into a new innovative architectural concept, aiming for a unique fusion of traditional and modern ideas. In terms of the program the project consists of four structures, a hand washing, showering and educational structure. The latrines are situated in a different location because of smell issues. The floor plans are kept open, solely shaped by the water distribution, the seating areas and the courtyard in the middle. With a sculptural appearance, the core of the water system are the water columns. Three different types are providing drinkable water, shower water, and in a more abstract way a seating opportunity. The outlook of the columns shows how they can not only be implemented into the structures but also function as free-standing individuals, serving the community. The original build-up of the column is only completed by a roof for protection and to collect the water. To conclude, the Hygiene Point for us is combining individual, local, global aspects and needs, while possessing the characteristics of modularity, participation, human scale, simplicity and invention.