Mia Barnard
Explore Lab
The Spores of Omburo: The link between water access, re-housing and mycelium
As Africa's last true pastoral nomads, the Himba of Namibia are facing the dire consequences of climate change. They migrate south, "following the water", from the Kunene region, which is suffering from severe drought to Windhoek, the nation's capital. Once there, they are confronted with the disparity that currently looms over Africa's built environment. They live in townships and shacks with limited access to water and sanitary amenities. In contrast to the Kunene region's drought, they live in constant risk of flooding. Water is an important element of culture, migration, and climate change. It has an impact on the built environment and livelihood in Windhoek townships, particularly Katutura. Omburo (water hole) is a project that intends to create a communal facility for water-related activities, inspired by an African adage and by rethinking architecture in a world of finite resources. Through the use of mycelium and indigenous encroachment bushes, the project hopes to generate sustainable and novel architectural elements, job opportunities, and enhance Katutura's socio-economic situation.