The Hope Center

The learning center was constructed in Chivonguene, a town located in Guij6, in the south of Mozambique. The center aims to support girls in their academic development and provide education on essential life skills. It also addresses the concept of gender inequality in Africa and nurtures children to become future female leaders.

The center consists of two blocks situated along the length of the land, with cross-shaped traffic organization to take advantage of accessibility from two roads. The main vertical axis serves as the primary circulation route, connecting the building from the main road surface to the two functional blocks designated for learning and operations. Additionally, it facilitates activities such as playing and teaching children soft skills through farming. The route ends with tall canueiro trees, symbolizing the development of feminism. The secondary horizontal axis connects the building with the surrounding countryside and lush vegetation.

The architectural design aims to promote innovation and stimulate creative thinking and learning for children, while also raising awareness about gender inequality. The building structure combines indigenous elements and local materials, creating a familiar yet unique space. The straw roof and bamboo structure are inspired by traditional African houses, designed to withstand hot, dry climate conditions and reduce project costs. The undulating shape of the roof represents the concept of male and female, with each span symbolizing the desire for development, learning, and acceptance by women in society.

The brick walls are painted white to enhance the visual impact of the roof system, emphasizing the beauty of the curves symbolizing the gentleness and strong fighting spirit of women. Sustainability is a key focus, with the use of natural, environmentally friendly materials, low-cost construction, and green energy solutions. The center also takes advantage of rainwater for functional areas, features an open ceiling design, and utilizes bamboo blinds to create flexible space interaction and natural cooling.