Iron Social Design · 2024
Mariam's Library
- A' Design Award 2024 Iron Winner in Social Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Parallel Studio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 47,086
- Verification code 6D7B981625 · Verify this award
About Mariam's Library
Mariam’s Library enriches education for Beit Ras School and the Mwanyanya community in Tanzania. It mirrors Parallel's global welfare commitment. The initiative not only acknowledges the importance of education but also recognizes its potential in shaping lives and communities. The library seamlessly integrates into the educational framework, bridging gaps and paving the way for a brighter future. Its impact extends beyond the confines of a physical space, radiating positivity and igniting a passion for learning that transcends boundaries.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The key concept for the development of the Mariam’s library stemmed from Parallel Studio's commitment to giving back to both local and global communities through their Parallel Gives Program. Mariam’s Library was conceived with the aim of providing enhanced educational opportunities to the people in need. The project sought to align with the curriculum while serving both Beit Ras School students and the Mwanyanya community, Tanzania – Zanzibar.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The total area measures 81 square meters, featuring a slanted roof designed to facilitate rain runoff. The roof's highest point reaches 4 meters, tapering down to 3.3 meters at its lowest. Internally, the space measures 7 meters by 7 meters, while the exterior steps encompass a 9-meter by 9-meter area. Customized perforations were incorporated into the bricks to optimize interior ventilation and air circulation while also introducing a delightful interplay of shadows during daylight hours.
- Tags
- Kidness, Social responsibility, Giving, Determination & Persistence, Support global communities
- Production Technology
- Construction techniques employed in the project involved integrating traditional building methods with modern approaches to ensure structural integrity and sustainability. The principal materials such as clay bricks used, were selected to honor both the environment and local craftsmanship, prioritizing sustainability and authenticity. Nature such as rain, sun and wind played a vital role, helping to maintain sustainability efforts on track. In addition to rhino/grasshopper for the design phase.
- Design Challenge
- We faced a significant challenge as non-locals: every moment was critical. Our daily responsibilities encompassed design refinement, material investigation, cost evaluation, budgeting, onsite oversight, avoiding deceits and prioritizing team safety, all done in 34 days. A pivotal instance arose when a team member contracted a contagious eye disease. Prompt measures were implemented to protect the team's health and well-being.
- Project Duration
- The project started 29th, Dec - 2023 in Tanzania- Zanzibar and the opening cermoney was on 31st, Jan - 2024. Total project duration is 34 days.
- Operation Flow
- It is operated by the school nearby under the school principle supervision, upon entering, visitors encounter two distinct zones. The first is a dedicated reading and study area, resembling a stage to maximize seating capacity. The second is an open space for communal activities, fostering collaboration and social interaction. These spatial decisions aim to create an inviting and inclusive environment conducive to learning, creativity, and community involvement.
- Research
- The research primarily involves close collaboration among architects, community members, and the school principal to thoroughly understand their needs and preferences. Through this collaboration, the absence of books and adequate facilities emerged as primary concerns. Additionally, observation sessions with nature guided design decisions accordingly. The result is a space that fulfills both efficiency and aesthetic criteria.
- Inspiration
- We believe in the power of architecture, art, and design to foster positive change and cultivate a responsive approach to global challenges. In today's world, kindness is more crucial than ever. Through Parallel Gives Program we devote resources and effort to serving the global community altruistically, reflecting our dedication to extending support and expertise beyond our immediate surroundings.
- Image Credits
- Photography/Videography: Nasser Othman
- Patents
- All Copyrights reserved Parallel Studio, 2024
Colors of Mariam's Library
Design Interview about Mariam's Library
The main principle and inspiration behind our design is the commitment to giving back to both local and global communities through our Parallel Gives Program. As for the design, The design concept revolved around creating a space that seamlessly integrated traditional architectural elements with modern design principles, respecting Zanzibar's architectural heritage. It aimed to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment conducive to learning, creativity, and community involvement.
The idea stemmed from the aim of providing enhanced educational opportunities to the students of Zanzibar, aligning with the curriculum while serving both Beit Ras School students and the Mwanyanya community.
Do more of the same nature of projects (Charity Projects)
design and build took 34 days
It was driven by our commitment to social responsibility and our desire to make a positive impact on the community. It was not specifically commissioned; rather, it was born out of our inspiration to address educational needs in Zanzibar and contribute to the well-being of the Mwanyanya community. We pursued this concept as a way to give back and align our design expertise with a meaningful cause.
Our intention was to create a space that serves the community's needs, and we remain open to future possibilities regarding the production or implementation of our design.
We designed this particular type of work to address the educational needs of the community in Zanzibar and contribute to their well-being.
Sun, rain, wind and need were our inspiration to come up with the design
The community of Mwanyanya in Zanzibar and the students of Beit Ras School
thoughtful integration of traditional architectural elements with modern design principles, respecting Zanzibar's heritage. Additionally, the project's emphasis on community engagement and collaboration distinguishes it, as does its focus on sustainability and functionality
It was the name of my friend's mom who passed away while she was in Zanzibar
Pre-cast bricks out of clay
My team at Parallel Studio
Only Rhino software
We studied local architectural styles and materials to incorporate elements that respected Zanzibar. also considering environmental factors and sustainability principles. Our research also involved gathering feedback from community members to understand their preferences and priorities, ensuring the design was tailored to their specific needs and aspirations.
Balancing traditional architectural elements with modern design principles while respecting Zanzibar's architectural heritage.Time constraints due to being non-locals, requiring efficient project management and decision-making.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of the team, particularly in the face of health challenges such as contagious diseases. Integrating sustainable construction techniques and materials while meeting project budget and timeline requirements. Overcoming logistical obstacles related to material sourcing, transportation, and on-site coordination in a remote location like Zanzibar.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of the team, particularly in the face of health challenges such as contagious diseases. Integrating sustainable construction techniques and materials while meeting project budget and timeline requirements. Overcoming logistical obstacles related to material sourcing, transportation, and on-site coordination in a remote location like Zanzibar.
A'design awards approached us luckily
Enhanced problem-solving skills. Increased cultural sensitivity. Expanded sustainability knowledge. Strengthened resilience
No, thank you