Zanzibar’s history was greatly shaped by its geography, the prevailing winds of the region placing it directly on the Indian Ocean trade routes and making it accessible to both traders and colonists from Arabia, south Asia, and the African mainland. The present-day Zanzibar is infused with African, Arab, European and Indian influences. In 1964 Zanzibar, together with Pemba Island and some other smaller islands, joined with Tanganyika on the mainland to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
Education is the key that will allow many other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved. When people are able to get quality education they can break from the cycle of poverty. Although, basic education in Zanzibar is made up of seven years of primary and three years of lower secondary education. The Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) in 2000 was 85.5 percent while the Net Enrolment Rate (NER) was 54.7 percent, with a dropout rate and repetition rate of 7.3 percent and 4.9 percent per annum respectively.
Tanzania, like many other African countries, is facing a learning crisis. In sub-Saharan Africa, learning poverty, defined as the share of children unable to read and understand an age-appropriate text by age 10, is estimated at 89 percent by the World Bank, UNESCO, and other organizations. While specific country estimates are not available for Tanzania, the World Bank Capital Index suggests concerning developments. According to their data, students in Tanzania score 388 on a harmonized test score scale where 625 represents advanced attainment and 300 represents minimum attainment. This benchmark corresponds to the advanced achievement standard set by the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. It is imperative to improve the quality of the education provided in schools.
In Mwanyanya community of Zanzibar, Mariam’s Library was conceived with the aim of providing enhanced educational opportunities to the students there. According to report, the project sought to align with the curriculum while serving both Beit Ras School students and the entire community. Meanwhile, Mariam’s Library, an initiative conceived, designed, and managed by Parallel Studio, under the direction of Mai Al Busairi from Kuwait, with book donations provided by Fatima Al Mahoumd from Bahrain, aims to provide the students of Zanzibar with enhanced educational opportunities.
Correspondingly, the construction techniques employed in the project involved integrating traditional building methods with modern approaches to ensure structural integrity and sustainability. The principal materials used were carefully selected to honor both the environment and local craftsmanship, prioritizing sustainability and authenticity. Nature such as rain, sun and wind played a vital role as a member of the design team, helping to maintain sustainability efforts on track.
In contrast, respecting the original architecture of Zanzibar and utilizing sustainable materials were paramount goals in the design process. The design team prioritized creativity and sustainability. Nature played a vital role as a member of the design team, helping to maintain sustainability efforts on track. Clay bricks play the role of both exterior and interior materials, helping to cool down temperatures during the summer season. Fiber corrugated roofing was installed along the edges of the building to allow daylight to filter in and provide ambient lighting that gently washes the walls. The addition of holes in these walls supports the low running costs of the library, with the perforations helping to naturally ventilate the space and reducing the need for mechanical ventilation.
As stated by the architect, internally, the library comprises a single room divided into two zones – one for solitary learning and the other for communal activities. Floor-to-ceiling shelving along one wall is filled with donated books and punctuated by one of two large circular windows that doubles as a sculptural reading nook for the children. Furthermore, a stepped concrete seating area, which also forms a stage for performances, has been cast with a pattern of circles referencing the building’s perforated facade. The building is topped by a flat roof constructed from a timber frame and covered in inexpensive corrugated-plastic sheets. However, using perforated walls is a common way to facilitate natural ventilation in buildings, particularly in warmer climates. Other buildings that make use of perforated walls include the Mind Manifestation’s apartment in India and the Premier Office in Vietnam by Tropical Space.
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