Hand in Hand: A new Port for Lake Nokoué
Technical University of Munich
Chair for Architectural Design and Participation
Professor Francis Kéré
The gesture of interlacing fingers connects the threshold of water and land. This applies also to the complex processes of the port and how the people of Ganvié and Abomey-Calavi manage the workflow. Since at the moment most people are depended on fishery and agriculture, which are threatened by climate change, a more resilient income stucture is suggested. Existing processing lines are expanded and new income sectors diversify it even further.
The four buildings structure the site and the processing lines in a clear way. Each product is assigned to an individual building and integrated high points contribute to the flow while also marking the coastline. The areas between the buildings form markets referring to the production happening inside.
The already existing fish market on the site is strengthened by giving the possibility to make the product more durable and avoid organic waste. The lookout and education tower enables a view over the landscape of Lake Nokoué and is used as an open classroom for locals while also attracting visitors and providing a meeting space for both. Harvesting water hyacinth and controlling its growth not only improves conditions for fishing activities but also creates an additional income source with needed infrastructure located in one of the buildings. The workshop for boats supports logistics and storage areas are used to store building materials for Ganvié. The new port supports people by creating a surrounding where they can organize their every day life hand in hand.
In cooperation with Paula Munz and Emil Roeck
