The wall and the veil : reclaiming women's space in a world heritage site

Abstract

In the Stone Town of Zanzibar, a World Heritage Site, the amalgamation of various cultures has created a complex architectural as well as cultural heritage. Public space is regarded as male space due to the strong Islamic legacy, and currently women have very limited access to public or recreational spaces, despite prominent spaces having been available for their exclusive use historically. However, cultural practices are slowly changing as women are gaining better access to education, the workplace and decision-making roles, and are thus moving into the public realm. The project investigates the potential of architecture to react to and accommodate this shift. Gender roles are acknowledged as valuable social constructs and the project aims to facilitate the creation of a living, changing heritage. This proposal for a women’s centre in Stone Town draws from both the tangible and intangible heritage to develop a contemporary interpretation of traditional values and aesthetics while aiming to empower women in their quest to reclaim public space. The project is located on a street that had formed part of a previous planning scheme to incorporate vehicles into the dense town, and had subsequently developed as a scar in the urban fabric. A public square that has fallen into disuse due to illegal construction and an enclosed garden next to it offers the opportunity to revitalise the area. The proposed project will consist of areas that afford the following activities, each suitably designed to respond to and maximise the gender-related needs and restrictions of the activities: demonstration workshops, shops, restaurant and demonstration kitchen, offi ce space, study area and library, turkish bath, swimming pool, and various garden spaces. The architecture will explore the application of traditional technologies in the construction of contemporary buildings in order to develop an architectural language that fi ts harmoniously within its surroundings but contributes to the legacy of outstanding architecture in Stone Town.