Lei Wa Lakom Library: an open, adaptable hub in Kazole Village
Located in Kazole Village, Zanzibar, Lei Wa Lakom Library by PARALLEL STUDIO is conceived as a lightweight, climate-sensitive structure that prioritizes openness, adaptability, and human scale. The architectural language draws from Swahili principles of shaded spaces, cross-ventilation, and visual permeability, allowing the building to remain naturally comfortable while maintaining a strong relationship with its surroundings. Rather than separating inside from outside, the library blurs these boundaries, reinforcing a sense of belonging and accessibility. The envelope is defined by perforated opaque corrugated panels that filter daylight, creating a soft, ever-changing interior atmosphere while ensuring privacy, safety, and air circulation.
all images courtesy of PARALLEL STUDIO
PARALLEL STUDIO Adopts an Environmental Design Approach
The design team at PARALLEL STUDIO complements this environmental approach with an integrated water feature, which holds cultural and symbolic significance within an Islamic tradition, where water is associated with life. Timber framing and exposed structural elements express material honesty and ease of construction, reflecting locally familiar building techniques. The roof form extends beyond the walls to provide shade and protection from heavy rainfall, reinforcing the building’s environmental responsiveness. Internally, the space is deliberately flexible and non-hierarchical. Low furniture, open floor areas, and adaptable zones support reading, learning, discussion, and communal activities, particularly for children, allowing the library to function as both an educational and social space.
Lei Wa Lakom Library is part of the Parallel Gives program, an architectural initiative that explores how small-scale, socially driven projects can generate long-term impact through thoughtful, context-responsive design.
Lei Wa Lakom Library is located in Kazole Village, Zanzibar
an integrated water feature holds cultural and symbolic meaning
water references life within Islamic tradition
openness and adaptability define the building’s architectural language
exposed construction reflects locally familiar building methods
filtered daylight creates a soft and changing interior atmosphere
interior and exterior spaces are intentionally blurred
the library by PARALLEL STUDIO functions as both an educational and social space
project info:
name: Lei Wa Lakom Library
architect: PARALLEL STUDIO | @parallel_studio
lead architect: Mai Al Busairi
location: Kazole, Zanzibar, Tanzania
area: 94.5 sqm
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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