In the midst of the arid landscapes near the Kakuma refugee camp, a transformative initiative is taking root — the development of a community, recreational, spiritual, and wellness facility. This project goes beyond the conventional by addressing the holistic well-being of the refugee community. It integrates fitness, agriculture, education, and cultural elements into a harmonious and inclusive space, creating zones for calm meditation, reflection, appreciation of the landscape, and lively areas for community expression and interaction.

Our vision extends beyond the physical structure; we aim to seamlessly weave elements of the landscape into the edges of the campus, fostering controlled spaces for agroforestry and planting. Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, particularly ceremonies related to the landscape and nature, we are committed to honoring these practices within the facility.

This collaborative project with to.org came about after its co-founder and CEO, Nachson Mimran, was struck by the poignant story told by Sumayya Vally’s 2021 Serpentine Pavilion which addressed migration in London while paying homage to past and present places that have held communities over time.

Kakuma is the Swahili word for “nowhere.” But for the more than 285,000 refugees and asylum seekers who live in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northwestern Kenya, it is their only home. It is now one of the world’s largest refugee camps, supporting children and families from a number of different countries.

There are unique attributes of the camp that contribute to the political economy of insecurity. The camp hosts refugees from various countries of origin:

- Sudan, 5.5%

- South Sudan, 55.6%

- Somalia, 21.3%

- Ethiopia, 5.7%

- Uganda, 0.8%

- Rwanda, 0.3%

- Burundi, 4.7%

- Democratic Republic of the Congo, 5.9%

Each community has its own distinct origin, customs, and religious practices. Some of these include Christian, Muslim, and tribal rituals.

In exploring sacred sites from the origin countries of refugees from Kakuma, we delve into the rich historical and cultural tapestry of these regions.

Laas Geel in Somaliland, adorned with Neolithic rock paintings, has endured 5,000 years of challenges yet maintains clear outlines and vibrant colors. Situated 55 kilometers northeast of Hargeisa, this rock shelter and cave complex, known as ‘source of water for camels,’ offers a rare glimpse into the region’s lesser-known history, facing current threats of destruction and looting.

Lalibela, globally renowned for its rock-cut monolithic churches in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region, is considered among the country’s holiest sites, with UNESCO designating 11 of them as World Heritage Sites. Widely believed to be constructed during the reign of King Lalibela in the 12th and 13th centuries, these churches showcase the town’s enduring legacy and global significance in architectural and religious heritage.

The Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uganda, are the burial place for four Buganda kings, showcasing ancient African architecture and artifacts. Despite much of the spiritual life remaining hidden, the site’s centerpiece, Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, a circular dome dating back to the 13th century, symbolizes beliefs, continuity, spirituality, and identity, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually and contributing culturally and economically to Uganda.

Tuti Island, at the confluence of the White Nile and Blue Nile in Sudan, forms the main Nile and hosts a lone village established in the late 15th century. Despite its proximity to urban centers, the primarily grassland island, accessible by the Tuti Bridge since 2008, spans 3.99 square kilometers, serving as an agricultural hub supplying fruits and vegetables to Khartoum with a rural character of green fields and lime groves.

We are fascinated by how light can be treated as an element to shape space- here very specific openings created certain experiences of light within the structures. We are inspired to reference these forms from sacred spaces to incorporate as openings in our structure.

The wellness facility is enclosed by a series of thick stone walls, rising in a stepped formation that creates a striking architectural presence while connecting with the surrounding landscape. This square structure is strategically punctuated with openings and courtyards, formed by abstracted shapes inspired by our research into the refugee community. These shaped apertures allow light and movement to permeate the space and serve as points of entry.

At the facility’s lowest level, a stepped seating area serves as a gathering point, facing a basketball court. The interior houses essential wellness functions, including a gym and meditation hall, complemented by supportive amenities such as toilets, storage, and administrative spaces. Open courtyards offer contemplative spaces for reflection and breakaway gatherings.

The roof continues the building’s stepped stone system and integrates an innovative structural approach to achieve this. Thick stone walls form the primary visual and functional basis of the stepped roof, while hidden supportive steel elements ensure the necessary reinforcement for the stone structure above. This allows the design to remain true to its monolithic appearance while ensuring modern structural stability.

Natural light is a key design material, carefully choreographed to create different atmospheres within the facility. Lightwells, integrated into the roof, allow sunlight to filter through in varied intensities—some spaces are bathed in soft, dappled light, while others are brightly illuminated, energising activity and movement.

In addressing the multifaceted needs of a refugee community, the integration of diverse programmatic functions becomes crucial for fostering well-being and resilience. Among these functions, programming that focuses on health, fitness, cultural expression, and education plays a pivotal role in creating a holistic and supportive environment. In this context, we explore specific programming functions that contribute to the overall well-being and empowerment of residents within a refugee camp.

The project is currently being fundraised. Fundraising link here.