In 2012, we participated in the International Design competition to design a Islamic University campus in Nairobi, Kenya. We formed a consortium with our counterparts in New York – FX Collaborative, Romines Architecture (Previously Fredrik Schwartz Architects)and Landscape Consultants, Andropogon – to create the designs with the Theme “A campus in a garden” that won us the 1st place and a chance to execute our initial concepts.
Driven by an ambitious plan, we created a master plan for the Al Jamea Tus Safiyah University in Nairobi, Kenya. The brief required that the design reflected the ancient Fatemi culture while integrating it with 21st century technology and processes. In addition, the university would have to host up to 1000 students and 350 faculty members and staff.
We designed the campus that was organized outwards, with the Light and knowledge of Al Quran at the centre. At the centre, we placed the Madad-uz-Zahra, the source of all knowledge and the face of Al Jamea.
All the buildings were oriented North-South to face Mecca. The most sacred buildings and prayer sections were located around the centre, with the public buildings like the auditorium and the welcome center on the outer rings.
With Nairobi so close to the equator, the path of the sun during the day created rays of light from the centre, appearing to be a manifestation of knowledge emanating out from the central Sahat.
According to the diktats of the Quran, the sections for male and female students are located on opposite sides of the campus. The four quadrants of the university offer smaller courtyards for gatherings, academic sessions or community recreation.
The design won over the jury and the cost-effective budgets meant that the project could begin immediately. We are proud to say that the Al Jamea Tus Safiyah University was completed in 2018.
Year:
2012