Architectural Cases

The Zando Central Market in Kinshasa, Congo, has undergone a significant transformation led by Think Tank, evolving into a cutting-edge civic infrastructure that is both climate-conscious and capable of hosting 20,000 vendors, a substantial increase from its prior capacity. Previously, this 1970s market, originally designed for only 3,500 traders, suffered from severe overcrowding, unhygienic conditions, and structural decay. The new 80,500-square-meter facility, situated in the core of the Congolese capital, replaces its predecessor with an open, yet sheltered, commercial space that seamlessly blends retail operations, logistical support, cold storage, dining areas, and vital community services such as a fire station, police post, infirmary, and administrative offices.

This architectural achievement is characterized by its open concrete framework, topped with distinctive mushroom-shaped slabs that pay homage to the original market's iconic roofline. These large canopies serve to shield both vendors and shoppers from intense solar radiation, while their varied heights facilitate the natural expulsion of warm air. The market's exterior is enveloped in terracotta brick facades, featuring moucharabieh-inspired perforations that draw from Congolese textile designs. These screens are ingeniously crafted to permit airflow while modulating sunlight, thereby ensuring a comfortable pedestrian experience without the need for mechanical cooling systems. The project was recognized with the 2025 Holcim Foundation Award for the Middle East Africa region, lauded by the jury for its clear structural design, sensitivity to its surroundings, and efficient use of only two main materials: concrete and terracotta brick. This design philosophy, prioritizing passive climate control, incorporates principles like thermal mass, cross-ventilation, stack effect, and ample shading, establishing the market as a significant landmark for Kinshasa.

Beyond its primary function, the redeveloped market incorporates green spaces and sustainable practices to enhance its urban environment. The layout centers around five open courtyards, infusing the extensive market area with greenery and natural light. These courtyards are adorned with indigenous plants, functioning as microclimatic regulators, social hubs, and havens for biodiversity. Integrated planters line the railings, and the surrounding streets are embellished with trees, creating a verdant corridor that links to Kinshasa's nearby botanical garden. Furthermore, rainwater is collected and stored in tanks for irrigation, cleaning, and fire suppression, diminishing reliance on city infrastructure and bolstering the building's resilience against heavy rainfall or service disruptions. This thoughtful integration of nature and resource management transforms the market into a vibrant, sustainable community asset.

The Zando market's revitalization by Think Tank represents a paradigm shift in urban development, prioritizing human-centric design, ecological responsibility, and economic empowerment. By fostering a secure, hygienic, and culturally enriched environment, the project not only serves the immediate needs of Kinshasa's populace but also offers a beacon of sustainable growth and community resilience for future urban endeavors.

In an effort to address critical environmental concerns, the 'Living on Groundwater' initiative, conceived by designers Aleksa Milojevic and Matthew W Wilde, represents a groundbreaking approach to residential architecture. This innovative 25 square meter prefabricated dwelling secured the top honor in the Kingspan-supported MICROHOME #10 competition, orchestrated by Buildner. The project transcends the conventional understanding of a compact living space, reimagining it as an integral component within a larger ecological framework. By design, this home directly links the act of dwelling with effective water management and environmental regeneration.

The MICROHOME #10 contest sought ingenious designs for off-grid residences smaller than 25 square meters, challenging participants to explore how compact architectural solutions could mitigate contemporary environmental and societal issues. Without the usual site restrictions, the competition served as an experimental arena for innovative material applications, spatial efficiency, and ecological performance in individual housing designs. 'Living on Groundwater' successfully engaged with this challenge, specifically targeting the conditions prevalent in Punjab, India, a region heavily reliant on groundwater for both daily necessities and extensive agricultural practices.

The 'Living on Groundwater' Concept: A Hydro-Positive Dwelling

The 'Living on Groundwater' project redefines sustainable living by centering its entire architectural and operational philosophy around water conservation and replenishment. This groundbreaking 25-square-meter prefabricated dwelling, designed by Aleksa Milojevic and Matthew W Wilde, integrates a comprehensive system for water collection, use, treatment, and return, making it a truly hydro-positive structure. Rather than merely minimizing environmental impact, the microhome actively contributes to ecological repair, specifically addressing groundwater depletion, a critical issue in regions like Punjab, India. The dwelling captures rainwater, recycles greywater, and directs treated surplus water back into the aquifer through an injection well, thereby transforming domestic habitation into a proactive participant in long-term groundwater restoration. This innovative approach elevates the microhome beyond a simple living unit, positioning it as an environmental infrastructure that is deeply interconnected with its surrounding ecosystem.

The design of the microhome is meticulously organized to facilitate a continuous water cycle within its footprint. Rainwater is harvested directly from the structure, providing a primary source for household needs. Greywater, generated from daily activities, undergoes a sophisticated recycling process for non-potable uses such as irrigation or toilet flushing. Crucially, any excess treated water is not simply discharged but actively returned to the local aquifer via a strategically placed injection well. This closed-loop system highlights how architectural design can serve as a powerful tool for environmental stewardship. By making these water management processes visually and functionally central to the dwelling's concept, the project educates occupants and demonstrates a tangible commitment to ecological replenishment. This integrated strategy offers a scalable model for sustainable living, particularly in areas facing water scarcity, by embedding restorative environmental practices directly into the fabric of daily life.

Architectural Innovation and Ecological Integration

Architecturally, the 'Living on Groundwater' structure showcases thoughtful design principles aimed at minimizing environmental disturbance and maximizing ecological benefits. Elevated on a raised timber frame, the dwelling ensures minimal disruption to the ground beneath, allowing for unimpeded water flow, natural air circulation, and the preservation of existing vegetation. This raised foundation also contributes to the home's resilience against potential flooding. The permeable facade system is a key feature, designed to intelligently moderate natural light, external views, and internal environmental conditions, adapting seamlessly to seasonal shifts while maintaining a continuous visual connection with the surrounding landscape. Within its compact footprint, the interior spatial organization prioritizes unparalleled flexibility. A clever lofted sleeping area efficiently frees up the ground level, dedicating it to versatile living and working functions, while integrated modular storage solutions and adaptable surfaces allow the interior to effortlessly transform throughout the day, catering to diverse needs and activities.

The project's jury specifically lauded its exceptional clarity in system integration, highlighting the technical precision and effective communication through detailed drawings and diagrams that eloquently conveyed its environmental performance and buildability. This recognition underscores the design's success in aligning spatial solutions with ecological processes, offering a compelling model for climate adaptation and modular living. The use of prefabricated wall and roof assemblies not only supports highly efficient construction processes but also suggests a scalable solution for rural communities confronting similar environmental pressures. Instead of solely focusing on reducing negative impacts, 'Living on Groundwater' pioneers a housing model where residential structures actively contribute to the regeneration of the ecological systems they depend on. Critical infrastructure, traditionally hidden underground, is made visible and integral through the home's architectural form, sectional design, and construction logic, thereby fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for its environmental function.