CREATIVE ASSEMBLAGES

Bukoto Street, located in the Kampala neighbourhood of the same name, is known for its old Indian-style residential buildings. Over the years, the street has seen a transformation to commercial facilities. Some of the constructions have been converted for new use while maintaining their original architectural style. Others have been demolished and replaced by taller, glass-covered office buildings.

This project, a chocolate factory, café, and offices, would replace the old renowned restaurant, “La Fontaine”, that occupied a prime location on the street, slightly below ground on an old Indian-style construction.

The old Indian constructions that line this and other streets in this neighbourhood were well-suited to the local climate, with cross ventilation and shading devices above doors and windows that kept the interior cool without mechanical ventilation. The new project aimed to maintain the greenery and character of the place while harnessing its positive environmental aspects and addressing some of its shortcomings, such as poor natural lighting and stormwater management

The central area was opened up to adapt the spaces on the ground floor for their new use as a chocolate factory and café while maintaining the arched aesthetics. This allowed for a reduction in structural steel and RC. All the external plants and trees were kept, and additional ones were added. The outside and inside were repainted, and blue tiles were added to the arches to contrast with the burnt orange colour of the outdoors, creating an exotic yet minimalistic look. The indoor and outdoor furniture and the light fixtures were designed and built using locally available materials, especially loofah, in collaboration with local artisans. All of these were done in the same blue as the tiles.