by Ehidiamhen Okpamen
A building that is contructed largely from recycled materials found across the Lagos lagoon in one of the poorest slums within the city, Makoko, the school is one of the few attractions and innovative edifies to spring out of the local community.
The three storied-building wooden property floats on an estimated 256 plastic barrels and provides a sheltered knowledge gaining classroom for over 100 students who are locals of neighboring communities. It was designed byKunleAdeyemi,an indigenous architect.
A humble looking structure, the bamboo structure speaks volumes of the inhabitants living within close commutes. From a Yoruba saying ?Ni inuikokoduduniekofunfunti n jade? which implies that real beauty is mostly found in the ugliest places, the structures showcases the lack of access to proper educational facility and the growing attention giving to improving such access.
International recognition Since it as unveiled in 2013, the innovative structure has attracted not only local attention by international review and endorsements.
It was reported that the Architect, Kunle, has received numerous support in funding the school, which also serves as a resting point for fishermen and shelter in the event of intense heat or rain. A well-publicized supporter of the humanitarian project is the United Nations Development Fund (UNDF).
The project has also been nominated by the London Design Museum for this year?s Design of the Year Award, a damming confirmation of its impact and attention received globally.
source: property investor africa
