RIBA picks VOID Studios’ Masai Mara Conservation Centre design

 

RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) has unveiled the winning design for the Masai Mara Conservation Centre at Oloololo Gate in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara. The commission, awarded by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, was secured by UK-based VOID Studios. Selected anonymously from over 100 entries across 32 countries, the design gracefully weaves traditional Masai patterns with contemporary architectural forms. Praised by the jury as ‘a visually captivating experience that inspires curiosity and wonder,’ the proposal stands out for its innovative yet culturally sensitive approach.

VOID studios selected to design kenya’s masai mara conservation centre
VOID Studio’s design for the Masai Mara Conservation Centre | all images courtesy of VOID Studios

 

 

Empowering Communities and Preserving Heritage

 

The Masai Mara Conservation Centre embodies a deep commitment to sustainability, cultural preservation, and community engagement. The project will prioritize ethical material sourcing, green building practices such as solar power and rainwater harvesting, and aims to achieve sustainability accreditation. Over two-thirds of the project budget will be invested directly into the local economy, supporting Kenyan communities through the use of local resources, materials, and skilled labor. This collaborative effort brings together UK-based firm VOID Studios, Kenyan architect Paul Mungai, and local experts Dr. Lawrence Mbugua and Johnpaul Muwanika to ensure the design respects the Masai Mara’s unique environment and cultural heritage. Initiated by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP), the centre will deepen understanding of the region’s delicate ecosystem and the traditions of the Maasai people.

 

‘Our proposed Masai Mara Conservation Hub and Visitor Centre embodies a holistic approach to ecological and cultural preservation. Local materials are weaved together with unique Masai cultural features to create an engaging educational visitor experience, whilst reinforcing the connection between conservation efforts and cultural heritage,’ Ian Sanders, Director and Co-Founder of VOID Studios, shares. 

VOID studios selected to design kenya’s masai mara conservation centre
the design gracefully weaves traditional Maasai patterns with contemporary architectural forms

VOID studios selected to design kenya’s masai mara conservation centre
the jury described the design as as ‘a visually captivating experience that inspires curiosity and wonder’

 

 

project info: 

 

name: Masai Mara Conservation Centre
architect: VOID Studios | @voidstudios_uk
in collaboration with: Paul Mungai, Dr. Lawrence Mbugua, Johnpaul Muwanika 
location: Oloololo Gate, Masai Mara, Kenya