Renowned prefab Makoko Floating School arrives in the Venetian lagoon

The Makoko Floating School project originally built in Nigeria is a prefabricated prototype for coastal regions of Africa where frequent flooding makes it impossible to build permanent structures. Nigerian architect Kunlé Adeyemi brought the project to this year's Venice Biennale, where he was awarded the Silver Lion for his celebrated design.

The three-story structure was conceived in collaboration with the Makoko waterfront community. Slightly adapted to the new site in Venice, the floating building showcases the potentials of easy prefabrication and rapid assembly. It is mobile and can be easily reassembled by communities living in regions affected by flooding.

The team assembled the structure for the Venice Biennale in only 10 days, using one ton of metal, 13.5 tons of wood, and 256 plastic barrels that keep the building afloat. Visitors of the Biennale will have the opportunity to experience the building practices of developing coastal communities by exploring the structure, which is also hosting an exhibition titled Waterfront Atlas.

The project, part of the studio’s African Water Cities research project, was also shortlisted for the 2016 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. They are currently developing new designs that tackle the concept of improvised infrastructures and buildings.