School/Political Centre in Capalanca
Viana, Luanda, Angola 2008-
This investigation is situated within a historical and theoretical evaluation of architecture and urbanism of colonial and post-colonial Luanda, where settlements of social and economic misery known as musseques (‘red sand’, the colour of the earth) dramatically contrast with the high standards of development in the city centre.
The research incorporates the design of a School/Political Centre in the outskirts of Luanda. The aim is to propose an integrative complex that can respond to the community’s urban conflicts, focusing on the potential of architecture to support innovative teaching and social participation.
The idea is to develop an educational programme that equally promotes scientific and creative subjects, and strengthens the relation between the school and the community.
The research allows for reflections on the role of NGO and other local socio-political forces that are mobilised by such a design project.
