From Principles to Practice DIGITAL

The Hikma Community ComplexCompleted May 2018 Dandaji, NigerPresented by the World Economic Forum Mariam Issoufou Architects Located in Dandaji, a village in western Niger, the complex serves as a space where secular and religious activities coexist to facili- tate education and social cohesion. The village, with a population of 3,000, faces challenges such as low literacy rates and economic vulnerability. To address these needs, the project renovated and adapted the existing mosque, designed by internationally recog- nized local architect El Hadji Falké Barmouan,15 into a library with study spaces, classrooms and workshops. A new, larger mosque was built to accommodate the growing needs of the village, and a children’s play area and landscaped gardens unite the two buildings. Designed by Mariam Issoufou Architects and Studio Chahar, the complex uses locally sourced materials and building practices, integrating cultural heritage with modern needs to create a sustain- able structure suited to the region’s arid climate and the growing community’s needs. This was in direct response to the local com- munity initially considering demolishing the old mosque in favour of a concrete replacement. This combination of adaptive re-use and contemporary design offers a model for community-driven, sustain- able and culturally rooted architecture in rural settings. Key outcomes GOVERNANCE The Hikma Community Complex showcases strong governance by involving local stake- holders. The project was commissioned by the village of Dandaji, led by village leaders and involved extensive consultation with the com- munity to ensure the design met their needs. This collaborative approach has cultivated a sense of ownership and pride within the community, contributing to the project’s long-term success. ENVIRONMENT The complex prioritizes environmental sustainability through the careful selection of materials and design strategies. Most of the construction materi- als were sourced from within a 5 km radius of the site, reducing transport costs and minimizing environmental impact. Concrete was used sparingly, limited to essential structural elements such as col- umns and lintels.The Hikma Community Complex is a cultural and educational hub in Dandaji, Niger, that combines the adaptive re-use of a historic mosque with new built additions to support community development, education, and environmental and social sustainability. 119HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DBQS GOVERNANCE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY CONTEXT SENSE OF PLACE COST $544,300