Mbesese Build: An Experimental Experience
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Date
2019
Authors
Dong, Kevin
Fowler, Thomas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
The Same’ Polytechnic College is a proposed vocational training institution in the United Republic of
Tanzania to provide educational opportunities which increase human capital, with the goal of reducing
severe levels of poverty. The college is the pilot project for the Mbesese Initiative for Sustainable Design
(MISD). MISD has partnered with design firms and the university to develop a framework for campus
development. The university team established overarching planning principles for buildings and related
infrastructure to support 1,200 students.
The project provided a platform for collaboration between faculty, students, and design professionals. The
campus proposal encompasses architecture, planning, and a variety of engineering disciplines. Students
researched topics that are requisite to building; energy usage and generation, water conservation and
reclamation, natural ventilation and thermal comfort, day lighting and solar exposure, construction
materials and structural systems, pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns, and, site access and
maintenance. The masterplan recommendations are based on computational analysis and design, results
from laboratory experiments, and feedback from design professionals. The students then developed
building strategies for implementing the aforementioned concepts, while learning how those design issues
are intertwined.
In 2018, students, faculty, and MISD volunteers constructed a micro structure in Tanzania based on the
master plan recommendations and results from laboratory experiments. The building process allowed the
team to better understand how cultural, environmental, and technological considerations influence design
and building in developing areas. The linkage between experimental research, design, and construction is
a hallmark for the project both at the university and in Tanzania.
Description
9 pages