CREATIVE

Ngarannam

An open-air market structure designed by the leading architectural design studio in Lagos, Oshinowo Studio, led by Tosin Oshinowo, in Ngarannam. The image displays a series of vibrant yellow and green metal frames creating a long, covered walkway. Underneath the frames, local women in colorful clothing are seated on concrete platforms, engaged in conversation and daily activities. A few individuals stand, one of whom is leaning against a post, observing the surrounding sandy landscape dotted with modest buildings and a few distant figures. Project led by Tosin Oshinowo
CLIENT

UNDP Nigeria

COMPLETION DATE

October 2022

LOCATION

Ngarrannam, Borno

Size

Masterplan and Building designs

Our vision for the Homes for Ngarannam was to design a settlement town more closely related to the Kanuri /Islamic culture than the existing resettlement programs executed in the state. As Architects/Urban designers, we believe in ‘human-centred design’, where interventions are consciously suited to cultural, environmental, and climatic needs. It was important to propose building scale and materiality that is appropriate, conscious, and respectful to the way of life that existed before the insurgency.

For the Ngarannam housing units, we have developed further the resettlement design that has already been executed by UNDP. Based on our observations, we have improved the look and feel, while also paying attention to the sustainability of the building structure, particularly pertaining to the roof design. We have also considered the community preference for colour, which has been a fundamental intervention across the entire scheme.

Our proposal for the Ngarannam school is kept simple, with an observation of a lack of tree canopy shade informing a need for shading and cross ventilation. We have also incorporated elements of culture and colour to create an attractive and lively environment to foster learning. In addition, we have proposed an adaptable shading pavilion that can be organically developed to create shaded areas for social gatherings. This pavilion scheme can also be adapted for the Ngarannam marketplace.

We are optimistic that our intervention will foster development for the community, provide a sustainable platform for economic growth, and, most importantly, give the people dignity by providing homes that give members of the community cause to be house-proud.

Community building in Ngarannam, featuring the innovative design of the leading architectural design studio in Lagos, Oshinowo Studio, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The image shows a sturdy, single-story structure with a green metal roof and ochre walls. A series of yellow and green pillars create a shaded walkway where local men are seated on raised concrete platforms, some engaged in conversation while others rest or observe their surroundings. The earthy ground and modest homes in the background suggest a tranquil, communal environment.
In Ngarannam, a woman stands in front of a house featuring the distinct aesthetic of Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The house's ochre walls are adorned with traditional white patterns, complementing the vivid blue door and red metal roof. This simple yet striking facade captures the essence of local design elements and color palettes, creating a sense of cultural identity and place.
Architectural photograph of a housing project in Ngarannam, showcasing the design by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The image features a row of new homes with sandy ochre finishes and distinct red roofs. The façades are decorated with traditional white geometric patterns above vibrant blue doors and matching window shutters, standing out against the clear sky. The structures are modern yet reflect local architectural styles, set within a dry landscape.
Interior view of a room designed by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo, displaying a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The room features a smooth concrete floor, earth-toned walls, and a natural thatched roof that adds texture and character to the space. A bright blue door stands open, coordinating with the color of the window shutters, inviting views of the adjacent rooms and the sandy exterior environment beyond.
A housing project in Ngarannam, showcasing the design by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The image features a row of new homes with sandy ochre finishes and distinct red roofs. The façades are decorated with traditional white geometric patterns above vibrant blue doors and matching window shutters, standing out against the clear sky. The structures are modern yet reflect local architectural styles, set within a dry landscape.
Architectural photograph of a housing project in Ngarannam, showcasing the design by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The image features a row of new homes with sandy ochre finishes and distinct red roofs. The façades are decorated with traditional white geometric patterns above vibrant blue doors and matching window shutters, standing out against the clear sky. The structures are modern yet reflect local architectural styles, set within a dry landscape.
Image showing a sunny, open-air corridor of a market complex designed by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The corridor features a series of bold green and yellow metal columns and beams that create a linear perspective, leading the eye through the space. Locals sit in the shade provided by the structure, against the backdrop of shops with ochre walls and thatched roofs. The space is filled with natural light and shadows, highlighting the geometric beauty of the architecture.
A spacious, well-ventilated marketplace shelter in a sandy environment, designed by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The structure is characterized by a sequence of bright yellow and green steel beams supporting the roof, harmonizing with the natural-colored walls. Locals gather under the protection of the canopy, enjoying the communal space, with the clear sky above hinting at the open-air design.
Image of a communal shelter designed by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo, providing a shaded gathering space for the local community. The structure is composed of a series of turquoise and yellow pillars that support the roof, creating a long corridor. Individuals are seated along the walls, engaging in social activities, while a child playfully interacts with the camera. The design offers a welcoming environment that facilitates community interactions and daily life.
A view of a community marketplace in a sandy, open area, featuring design elements from Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The market includes several ochre-colored buildings with green metal roofs, complemented by yellow and green pillars. Local people are gathered in small groups, seated on benches and ledges under the shade of the overhanging roofs, while children play in the foreground, animating the serene communal space.
A view of a community marketplace in a sandy, open area, featuring design elements from Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The market includes several ochre-colored buildings with green metal roofs, complemented by yellow and green pillars. Local people are gathered in small groups, seated on benches and ledges under the shade of the overhanging roofs, while children play in the foreground, animating the serene communal space.
A long building in a desert landscape, showcasing the vibrant and culturally-inspired architectural style of Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The facade is decorated with blue and white geometric patterns surrounding yellow doors and ornate window shutters, set against ochre walls and under a green metal roof. The building, possibly a school or community center, brings a burst of color and design to the sandy surroundings.
A long building in a desert landscape, showcasing the vibrant and culturally-inspired architectural style of Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The facade is decorated with blue and white geometric patterns surrounding yellow doors and ornate window shutters, set against ochre walls and under a green metal roof. The building, possibly a school or community center, a person standing in front of door, brings a burst of color and design to the sandy surroundings.
The image captures a part of a vibrant marketplace designed by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo, characterized by a bright color scheme and bold geometric patterns. The marketplace features a sandy pathway leading to a series of shops with blue and white patterned walls and vivid yellow doors, reflecting a modern take on traditional African aesthetics. The space is open and airy, promoting a welcoming atmosphere for community gathering and commerce.
Interior of a brightly colored classroom designed by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo, displaying a playful and inviting learning environment. The ceiling is adorned with a patchwork of red, blue, and yellow tiles, while the room is furnished with vibrant green tables and black chairs. Ample natural light streams in through the open windows, illuminating the space and the solitary desk at the front.
Front view of the interior of a brightly colored classroom designed by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo, displaying a playful and inviting learning environment. The ceiling is adorned with a patchwork of red, blue, and yellow tiles, while the room is furnished with vibrant green tables and black chairs. Ample natural light streams in through the open windows, illuminating the space.
A housing project in Ngarannam, showcasing the design by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The image features a row of new homes with sandy ochre finishes and distinct red roofs. The façades are decorated with traditional white geometric patterns above vibrant blue doors and matching window shutters, standing out against the clear sky. The structures are modern yet reflect local architectural styles, set within a dry landscape, with two people in front of the building.
Close-up view of the exterior facade of a building designed by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The wall is textured with ochre render and adorned with a white geometric frieze under the eaves. Above the striking blue door, three small square windows are set high, allowing light and air while maintaining privacy. The architectural details, including the green metal roof against the blue sky, reflect a blend of local style and modern functionality.
Aerial view of a newly developed housing community with designs by Oshinowo Studio, a leading architectural design studio in Lagos, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The area features rows of identical houses with ochre walls and red roofs, organized in a neat grid pattern. A market street with green and yellow metallic shades offers a communal space for trade and socializing. The environment appears arid, with little vegetation, highlighting the development as an oasis of human habitation.
Coral Pavilion