The School of Architecture, Land Management, Urban and Regional Planning held its 2nd Annual Exhibition under the Theme “Towards Advancing Excellence in Sustainable Development.”
The event was attended by Professor Isaac Cleto, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Dean Prof. Alikaya Aligo, Deputy dean Mr. Ali Merghani, HoD Architecture; Mr. Muzee Juma, HoD Land Management; Dr. Peter Duku, HoD Urban Planning; Mr. Akot Manyuat, Alumni and the students.
The exhibition showcased the projects for the 2023-2024 academic year, highlighting the curriculum and the relevance of students’ work to contextual issues, as well as the school’s efforts in framing excellence in addressing them. In the Department of Architecture, students displayed their work as follows:
1st Year: The focus was on developing skills in crafting basic objects, shapes, and forms.
2nd Year: Emphasis was placed on conception and critical thinking in tackling the complexities of the educational sector, including both tangible and intangible socioeconomic and environmental challenges.
3rd Year: Students highlighted creative and innovative approaches to office building typologies, aiming to enhance productivity and well-being through the integration of advanced techniques.
In the Department of Land Management, students presented a critical perspective on land administration and land tenure, underlining the topic’s importance in the context of sustainable development.
In the Urban and Regional Planning Department, students investigated and analyzed development trends in various neighborhoods, discussing their implications and suggesting a comprehensive plan through different development perspectives.
Project: Education Building (Community Learning Centre)
Site: Juba POC3
Concept: Home Land
Designed by Student: Alex Albino Juma The project was designed for individuals living in conflict areas, specifically in the Juba POC3 site along the Yei road highway. The residents are predominantly Nuer people who have been restricted from living in environments connected to their homeland, which negatively affects their children’s cultural practices and activities. Additionally, the educational facilities available within POC3 are substandard.
Solutions:
1. Creating a Sense of Home: The design draws inspiration from the traditional housing layout of Nuer villages, particularly the “LUWAK.” The LUWAK is a large room in every household used for storing cattle, with most houses consisting of three rooms (one for the owner, one for girls, one for boys) plus the LUWAK. This concept influenced the shape of the project, helping residents feel more at home.
2. Cultural Activity Spaces: The facility will include adequate spaces for cultural activities and provide a conducive environment for learning.
3. Emergency Architecture Design: The design utilizes materials that are readily available and easily disassembled. This way, if peace is restored, the residents can take their buildings back to their villages.
