Ganvie Floating Storytellers Library
Project Intro
CONCEPT: THE POWER OF THE COLLECTIVE HUMAN VOICE
Through designing a space for the telling and recording of stories, this project seeks to empower many voices through sharing the cultural wealth of the people of Ganvie. Literacy rates in the region are low and access to electricity and the internet are limited. This creates many challenges for the design of a semi-mobile, modern library, that will meet the needs of its users.
Ganvie, Benin
Location
2023
Year
3,230 ft2
Area of Site
Revit + Photoshop
Tools Used
Process
Storytelling + The Larynx
The structural form of the library is based on the shape of the human larynx. This shape was chosen for it's connection with the library's mission and how it might be realized through a parametric design using locally available bamboo and red ebony wood.
Bioclimatic Design
Location and the requirement for a semi-mobile structure, along with limited access to electricity, required significant environmental adaptations. Cultural and environmental suitability were determined through study of vernacular architecture and house boat type construction.
Local Material Use
Traditionally, buildings in Ganvie are constructed using the readily available bamboo and red ebony. Red ebony is resistant to rot and can withstand the brackish waters of Lake Nokoue'. Lighter, more flexible bamboo is used for the upper flooring and parametric ceiling/roof structures. Lightweight construction, using low thermal capacity materials, keep the library cool.
Water Hyacinth
Water hyacinth is a voracious, invasive species that threatens the traditional fishing industry in Ganvie. This project utilizes mats and textiles woven from water hyacinth fibers as wall coverings and upholstery, as well as in the ceiling insulation panels.
Materials
A. Red Ebony
B. Water Hyacinth Paneling
C. Traditional Benin Textile Painted Pattern
D. White Corrugated Metal
E. Example of Water Hyacinth Plant and Flower
F. Benin Woven Textile
G. Water Hyacinth Upholstery and Mats
H. Benin Woven Textile
Site Analysis
Orientation / Shading / Daylight / Ventilation
The roof structure and fenestration placement optimize passive ventilation by prevailing winds out of the southwest. Roof shape, overhangs, and thickness, shade and insulate the interior from heat gains while still allowing sufficient daylighting.
Addressing Sewage Pollution
The EcoSan composting toilet provides a familiar and hygienic toilet option for the library. Two pits can be alternated to allow for decomposition times, with waste removal maintenance require for each pit once a year. Composted waste can then be safely incorporated into local agricultural composting projects. With limited access to sewers and water pollution concerns, the EcoSan toilets at the library will serve as an important test project for future installations in the region.
Available Materials + Plastic Pollution
Plastic barrels are readily available in Ganvie. Diverted from the waste stream to provide flotation and ballast for the library, these barrels will easily be replaced when requiring repair.
Plans + Sections
Section Elevations
Rendered Perspectives
The Storyteller's Circle
A sunken, circular bench and seat stair, upholstered with woven water hyacinth fibers, is the focal point of the entry and main library. Children can also look down at the circle, from the Children's Loft. In the upper right corner a floor net can be seen, which children may also lay in during story times. The sunken circle also provides a heat sink, insulated and kept cool by the water circulating around the library platform hull.
Main Library
The main library surrounds the story circle and offers a selection of books, periodicals and newspapers. Interior and exterior seating options provide a range of spaces for reading, work, and socializing.
Listening + Recording Room
The listening and recording room is located towards the rear of the main library. Two modular booths provide a sound controlled environment in which library patrons can record. The remaining area is set up for listening to recordings and research.
Children's Loft
The children's loft is a playful space with it's own listening station. Pleasant views to the roof garden over the restrooms, the waterscape, and the story circle below, are the backdrop to this playful space designed with the intent to promote the early enjoyment of reading and listening to stories. Large, woven water hyacinth poofs, bean bag chairs made from recycled sails, and a floor net hammock, offer alternative seating options in addition to the child sized tables and workstations.
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