RE·TURN to nature

The aim of the project is to create a space that forces man to reflect on his relationship with nature. It is also intended to draw attention to the need to restore the balance between man, architecture and nature, as the needs of the environment are pushed to the background in an era of intense technological development. The facility also serves an educational function about the ecosystem of the Maasai Mara Nature Reserve and the culture and needs of the Maasai, the indigenous people of the region.

The Maasai

Living in harmony with nature is a fundamental aspect of the Maasai's traditional lifestyle, as their livelihoods and daily activities are closely tied to the climate. The Maasai plan their activities according to the season. During the rainy season, they move their herds to areas with lush pastures and abundant water sources. During the dry season, they travel longer distances in search of water and suitable pastures. They rely on natural sources such as rivers and seasonal watering holes. They often dig shallow wells to provide water for their cattle. Conserving water is a top priority to ensure the survival of their herds. The Maasai treat their animals as members of society, giving them names and knowing their temperament and voice.

An important element of Masai culture is the symbolism associated with their beliefs and rituals. The symbol of the circle is often visible in art, typical body ornaments such as beads, jewellery, make-up, or in the attributes of warriors: shields and headgear. The insurutia symbol is particularly significant. It broadly signifies a journey and change, both in the physical and spiritual aspects. It is a symbol of transition to a new stage of life, as well as of the flow of energy and a symbol of fertility. It takes the form of a snail made of brass, which boys put on their heads to cover their ears after the ritual of circumcision. It is a symbol of the transition of boys from childhood to adulthood, the first step to becoming a warrior.

Current problems

The semi nomadic life of the pastoralists helped protect biodiversity - cattle if regularly moved, transports plant seeds and fertilizes the soil. In the 20th century, the lands used by the Maasai became national parks and nature reserves. Tourism development followed, bringing huge profits to states and private investors. In 1964, the collectivization of villages took place, combined with the resettlement of millions of people. As a result, the Masai were deprived of a large area of land that served for grazing. They were unable to provide enough food for themselves and their families, so they were forced to seek other methods of subsistence. There has been an expansion of agriculture, which significantly affects the quality of the land. The expansion of tourism has prompted the Masai to make their bomas available for sightseeing, as well as to take up permanent jobs in local hotels and campings. Another of the challenges is climate change and soil drying, which directly affects the region's biodiversity. Rainfall has become unpredictable, making it impossible for the Maasai to properly plan their cattle grazing.

Through the above mentioned circumstances, one can observe the disappearance of the Maasai culture in favor of adapting to the Western lifestyle.

Economical and ecological solutions 

The nature conservancies that adjoin the Maasai Mara Reserve aim to protect the ecosystem by preserving biodiversity, spreading Maasai culture and balancing tourism in the region. Private landowners commit to protecting their land by signing leases, thus earning a guaranteed income from tourism.

Until 2019, tourism was the main revenue generator for the Reserve and conservancies, but it has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, the coordinators of the conservancies are looking for a more diversified and sustainable business model to increase the ability of the reserves to protect biodiversity and alleviate poverty. Interventions developed with Maasai communities are critical to the local economy, diversifying income and reducing vulnerability to climate change. Among the nature-based ventures identified by the conservancies are beekeeping and honey production, land management and pastoralist development, and carbon credits as options that resonate with wildlife conservation.

Close relationships in nature

In the Masai Mara ecosystem exists a relationship between cows, elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), soil organic carbon (SOC) and bacteria. It plays an important role in supporting both the environment and the traditional livelihoods of the Maasai.

Elephant grass is a fast-growing and high-yielding crop that serves as the primary source of food for Maasai cattle. When cows graze on this grass, they consume significant amounts of carbon stored in the tissues of the plant. While some of this carbon is released into the atmosphere in the form of methane during digestion, another part is returned to the ecosystem.

In the digestive system of cows, cellulolytic bacteria help to break down the cellulose and complex carbohydrates present in elephant grass. These bacteria contribute to the fermentation process and the release of methane. Some of the carbon is excreted in the form of faeces.

Manure, rich in organic matter and carbon, becomes a valuable resource for the soil. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Azospirillum) break down organic matter, further enriching the soil with carbon. This process, known as carbon sequestration, increases soil fertility, improves water retention and contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.

In this ecological context, bees act as intermediaries between the plant world (including grasses such as elephant grass) and the wider ecosystem. They facilitate pollination, which influences plant growth and diversity. These plant communities can in turn have a positive impact on soil health and the potential for increased carbon sequestration.

Aim and idea of the project

The intervention aims to seek the role of modern man in the existing ecosystem. Modeled on the culture and customs of the Maasai, an important aspect of the project is the cultivation of a lifestyle closely linked to nature, combined with a deep respect for all living beings. The work draws inspiration from the imprint humans leave on the environment and the attempt to modify it in a way that favors nature. There are many components to improving the human-nature relationship. The three on which the project focuses are: 1) education and cultural preservation, 2) care for green spaces by bringing attention to carbon sequestration and 3) observation of the environment.

The idea behind the design was to create a building that harmonizes with its surroundings and does not interfere with the natural flow of water. The building is located in the natural depression of the site and mimics its slope in land development. The organic shape of the building is inspired by the Maasai insurutia symbol and the image of human fingerprints. This is intended to convey the idea of returning to nature by starting a new phase of human life. It is a path from anthropogenic use of the environment, leaving an indelible fingerprint, to living in accordance with the cycles of nature.

In the center of the establishment, an outdoor gathering place accessible independently of the building is planned. The campfire at the center is a symbol of an integrated society, modeled on the Maasai's sense of belonging.

Site distribution

The plot is located next to the continuation of the C12 expressway, from which an access road with a gravel surface was drained. Outside of the project plot there were few additional installation systems proposed, such as: bicycle shed, waste collection, retention and fire reservoir, ground heat exchanger and biological sewage treatment plant. All of the above are additional faciities, that may be included in the project.

The project envisages the creation of a facility combining three main functions: 1) the museum related to the Maasai culture and a store for tourists, 2) the carbon laboratory with an office area and a conference room, 3) the viewing terrace allowing observation of nature. In addition, there has been provided a meeting place for the local community, also accessible for tourists.

The facility has been adapted for safari tour mode. Typically, tours begin at sunrise and end around 5 p.m. For this reason, food and beverage section has been provided, which is available independently from the museum building. Tourists can stop for a hot meal before the tour begins, and after the tour, they can visit the museum part of the facility and relax on the observation deck.

Ground level

On the ground level, several interacting functions can be distinguished. The main ones are the museum part, the laboratory part and the outdoor meeting place. In addition, additional functions are also assumed: catering facilities and a store for tourists, an installation section with public toilets and installation facilities for the laboratory section.

Museum

The shape of the building is inspired by the insurutia symbol and the human fingerprint. The idea behind the shape is to draw attention to the need to change man's relationship with nature, and thus begin the journey to wash away the imprint we leave on the environment. The museum's narrow corridors (180 - 240 cm), some of them two-story, are meant to draw attention to the short-sighted attitude of modern man towards nature.

Laboratories

The research part of the lab was inspired by the functional solutions of the Changing Climate Impact Research Center (CIRC) at Umeå University in Sweden. Understanding the process of measuring soil organic carbon levels was necessary to properly plan the laboratory. There are 2 methods for determining SOC: the Walkley-Black chemical method and the loss-on-ignition method. The designed laboratory offers both methods of measurement.

Observatory

The building allows wildlife to be observed on two levels: from the ground floor, smaller animals and the base of the treetops can be seen, and from level +1, an expansive perspective of the savannah, the canopy of the treetops and the animals that inhabit them.

Fireplace

At the centre of the establishment there is a meeting place with furnishings created from clay. Benches and tables are arranged concentrically around the fire pit providing a space suitable for relaxing after a safari tour, socialising as well as larger cultural events. The distances between the elements allow for easy wheelchair access. 

Level +1

The +1 level of the building envisages the creation of a viewing terrace visually connected to the two-storey part of the museum and the continuation of the laboratory building in the form of a mezzanine floor. On this level there is an office area with an archive and a conference room. There is a direct connection between the mezzanine and the ground floor through an opening in the ceiling of level +1. This part of the building can be accessed by a staircase from the west side of the plot or a ramp from the east, having in mind wheelchair accessibility.

Construction and used materials

For the construction of the building the system of GLT beams and rammed earth walls was used. Using compacted earth is a highly ecological solution. It is characterized by high fire resistance, as the material is completely non-flammable. Buildings erected from compacted earth are extremely durable, thanks in part to the natural regulation of humidity, while their dismantling does not leave unnecessary damage, and can even improve the quality of the soil. They are also resistant to pest attacks.

Conclusions

The designed object encourages reflection on the situation of modern man and draws attention to the need to change his current behavior. By introducing the culture of the Maasai, it opens the field for reflection on the role of man in the existing ecosystem. It also shows examples of how today's architecture can draw on patterns known since antiquity. In addition, by using sustainable solutions, it raises environmental awareness and promotes the use of locally available materials. By complementing the museum and catering function with a carbon lab, meeting space and conference room, it facilitates the solution of the region's economic problems and creates a space for the Maasai community to collaborate with the owners of conservancies and other institutions.