A derelict structure in the Egbeda community in Nigeria was left strewn of its architectural dignity over time. The client has a desire to give it a new life, and out of that need, the formerly dilapidated structure now shines a lot of hope and life in the site where it once stood forgotten. Now a resource center and recreational hub, the people of Oyo-State in South-West Nigeria can appreciate the efforts that went into redesigning and injecting some life into the building by architect Tosin Dada of Tosin Dada Studios.
The entry area serves as a Community Hall for functions and meetings and a viewing lounge for sports – a relish in most Nigerian communities thanks to the country’s thriving hunger and participation for sports in major games. The local chief, or Baále, has an office where he holds meetings and oversees other community gatherings.
A brightly colored reclaimed bamboo screen adorns the Games Room and helps conceal the toilet doors. The uneven texture of the bamboo provides a bold counterpoint to the smooth interior walls and polished terrazzo floor. The Games Room features a snooker table and board games such as Draft, Chess, and the much-popular Ayo.
With a beaming structure and outdoors that are largely left in their natural state, the visitors and the community have ample space and a great environment to enjoy various recreational and sporting activities.
If most buildings left for dead in rural Nigeria were to find a mentor, the Egbeda community centre would be a fitting candidate.
A composite also-clad roof veil was designed to screen off the existing gable roof. Local Yoruba artistic mitered features were engrained into the design of the roof veil. This also served as a backdrop for the building’s external sign and projects a bold and contemporary demeanor.
The building’s facade is adorned by a kaleidoscope of bright colors, welcoming residents and visitors alike. An access ramp was introduced to ease disabled access into the building. Construction materials and skilled craftsmen were mostly locally sourced from a community that thoroughly enjoyed the experience of building their community.
If most buildings left for dead in rural Nigeria were to find a mentor, the Egbeda community center would be a fitting candidate. It is colorful and inviting, thrilling to the eyes, and even just by a stare, lots of energy emanates from it —a resource center and recreational hub meant to stimulate the energies in both the young and old with its charm and color.
Project Information
Architects: Tosin Dada Studios
Location: Egbeda, Oyo-state, Nigeria
Project Duration: 4 Weeks
Project year: 2019
