Witnessing a child’s first smile is the most joyous and meaningful event in a woman's life, but this beautiful moment can turn into a nightmare within the blink of an eye if the family lacks awareness about safe pregnancy and has insufficient access to medical services in their locality. “Safe Motherhood”, a program initiated by the UN can still be a luxury for such a country like Senegal where poverty, lack of education, insufficient healthcare facilities, and abrupt climate changes are prevalent. Considering all the factors, we chose the rural location of Bourouco Birane Cisse in Kolda, southern Senegal as site. This neighborhood consists of a larger number of orphans indicating a higher maternal mortality rate. Moreover, its unhygienic sanitary facilities and scarcity of clean water make pregnancy harder for women. Our maternity center aims to bring a change to such scenario by creating a sense of belongingness within the local women integrating their community as well as promoting environmental sustainability. This maternity center is not only about ensuring medical facilities but also about creating an awareness that supports a safe and resilient maternity system. 

Retaining a sub-Saharan warm dry climate, where heat can scorch up to 42 degrees during November through May with precipitation remaining consistent from June to October by wind flowing from southwest to northeast, rammed earth is considered for comfort. Wild bamboo screenings shape an entrance threshold with an opaque and shaded depth. Cooled air circulates through the perforations and then flows in, rising upwards and venting hot air out through the geometric punches on the lintel level.

The journey through corridors forms undefined shapes, directional upward, creating an atmosphere under the umbrella with the overhang roof. The figure of the circle in waiting zone offers the visitor a dynamic and interactive space. The dense rains are treasured in the semicircular plinth alongside semi-outdoor sitting inviting various itineraries.

The composition is protected under a bamboo grid that supports the roof. The vibrant sun sneaks in, sharp but soft, through a semicircular gap in the roof and between the slits of a veil of bamboo. The light is reined in by the space that illuminates dynamically and mysteriously.

Our vision is to create an environment that not only ensures quality maternity healthcare, but also provides emotional support, warmth, and awareness to maternal complications. Through this design, this center will become a place where women can feel safe, respected, and learn to tackle their pregnancy challenges, enhance knowledge, and build mutually supportive social growth. 

Team Members:
Pronoy Chowdhury
Srayash Nandi Soumik 
Tahmid Yaasin 
Shafaet Alam Abir