Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel via v2com
Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel via v2com

Text based on description via v2com*

The Komera Leadership Center, situated in the rural eastern province of Rwanda, serves as a multifaceted facility offering health, education, and mentorship programs for young women. Additionally, it functions as a hub for family development initiatives and community gatherings. Positioned strategically along the main road, opposite the village football pitch, the Leadership Center plays a crucial role as a community and education hub for the local residents.

Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel via v2com
Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel via v2com
Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel via v2com
Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel via v2com

At the core of the building is a versatile space designed to function as either a gathering hall or a set of classrooms, accommodating a diverse range of activities and programs desired by the community. The flexibility of the space is enhanced by large translucent panels that can be adjusted to create three classrooms when closed. Opening the panels to 90 degrees transforms the area into a spacious meeting hall for the community, while a full 270-degree opening allows for larger events such as performances and ceremonies. Ample adjacent storage spaces facilitate these versatile spatial configurations.

The architectural elements, including the roof forms, woven eucalyptus screens, and brick patterns, draw inspiration from traditional “Imigongo” art native to the region. These elements are imbued with the essence of the Rwandan word “Komera,” which translates to “to stand strong and to have courage.” The expansive roof connects various sections of the facility, such as administration, health and counseling, classrooms and gathering spaces, as well as the kitchen and dining areas. This design creates covered exterior spaces for breakout classes and informal meetings. The large eucalyptus screens not only provide shade but also contribute to a sense of enclosure and privacy in the exterior spaces.

Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel via v2com
Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel via v2com
Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel
Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel

In collaboration with Rwanda Village Enterprises (RVE), the Center was constructed predominantly using locally sourced materials. BE_Design employed a local workforce, with an average representation of 40% women, providing on-site skilled labor training, fair income, savings accounts, personal protective equipment (PPE), safety measures, and marketable construction skills. The firm maintained close collaboration with the community, ensuring their integral contributions from the project’s inception to its completion.

Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel
Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel
Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel via v2com
Komera Leadership Center - BE_Design | Image © Bruce Engel via v2com
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