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robi community centre, robi, ethiopia
This project is a reaction to deforestation and poverty, a systemic problem with a built solution beyond the reach of the local people. To find solutions to problems at regional scales, worldly knowledge and understanding of place must come together.
Robi Community Centre was a great leap for Austin Hawkins. Introduced to the area and hosted by Italian Architect Lorenzo Fontana, Hawkins spent 3 months in a remote village, first learning Amharic, negotiating with local governance, and testing local construction materials. The goal of the project was to promote Fontana’s work on earth brick construction as an alternative to wood while prototyping earth brick assemblies for use in harsher climates.
Having tested the compressive strength of various raw earth mix designs for bricks, Austin designed a simple building at the village centre, employed and trained young craftsmen, and built the community centre. During the arduous process of building this earth masonry building, Austin got to know Endale Getachew Tamirat, then a school teacher in Robi, who was instrmental in assisting Austin to maintain nutrition in the harsh environment. 14 years later, Endale consults for f2a architecture.
This project presented formidible challenges. It inspired Austin’s understanding that some problems cannot be solved on the ground. For instance, building out of poverty from within may be ineffective due to such severe lack of resources as to cause the malnutrition he himself felt. At the same time, Hawkins learned that while outside aid may be necessary, inspiration must come from the residents of a place if a project is to be wholeheartedly embraced, well-used, and impactful.
This project was inspired by the work of Lorenzo Fontana and supported by his generosity. Funded by the Thomas J Watson Foundation.
designed by austin hawkins
built by the people of robi and austin hawkins
completed in 2010
photographed by austin hawkins