1. SAMOSOLUTIONS
SUSTAINABLE HOUSING PROJECT FOR IDPs IN KISMAYO,SOMALIA
ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY TORONTO
CHELSEA JOHNSON
DOLLY KAMBOJ
WILLIAM HO-BEEN LEE
SARAH MILLER
JEDIDIAH GORDON-MORAN
SHANNA-KAY SMITH
BACKGROUND
Since the early 90's after the fall of the Barre regime, Somalia has been
involved in one of the worst humanitarian crises, witnessing violence and civil
conflict. As a result, many of its citizens have been displaced ever since.
Increasing violence and drought conditions have caused multiple waves of
displacement over the years, and as of September 2013, there were more
than 1.1 million Somalis displaced internationally and close to 1 million in
neighbouring countries.
In 2010, in the southern capital of Mogadishu, there was the largest con-
centration of internationally displaced persons on earth. Life in Mogadishu’s
refugee camps have been very dangerous and the coordination of humani-
tarian aid has been a risky job since militants continue to strike in this area. In
2012, Somalia had its central government restored and since then, one of the
focuses have been to resolve the IDP problem. Getting the IDPs in southern
Somalia out of the dangerous and unsuitable living conditions of the refugee
camps and into safe and sustainable housing in Kismayo is a crucial step in
restoring the social fabric of Somalia. Page 1

2. ARCHITECTURALHISTORY
Somalia has seen many different types of architec-
ture throughout its vast history. From Ancient burial cairns
to Medieval castles and fortresses. In the early 13th cen-
tury, the introduction of Islam to Somalia brought with it
Islamic architectural influences from Arabia and Persia.
During this time, there was a shift in construction materi-
als from drystone to coral stone, sundried bricks and lime-
stone. Islamic architecture also brought the traditional
domed roof, arched openings and the traditional Islamic
courtyard to Somalia.
In some of Somalia's larger cities, individuals live in
Islamic inspired houses made of stone or brick covered
with plaster or cement. These are one-or two-story hous-
es, with a flat roof. Bars cover the lower windows, which
rarely have screens or glass.
The Mosque of Islamic Solidarity in
Mogadishu, Somalia
Typical Aqal
Wealthy Somalis, Europeans, and others may have tra-
ditional Western-style homes with tile roofs and walled
courtyards.
Somalia's nomadic herders use the traditional shel-
ter of the the aqal, a dome-shaped, collapsible hut
made from poles covered by hides, woven fiber mats,
or sometimes cloth or tin. Easy to break down and re-
assemble, the aqal is carried on a camel's back and
set up by the women of the family once a new camp
is made.
Farmers make permanent homes that are similar to
the aqal. Round huts called mundals are made from
poles and brush or vines plastered with mud, animal
dung, and ashes and covered with a broad, cone-
shaped thatched roof. Rectangular huts, often with flat
tin roofs, are called arish. Other homes are built from
logs, stone, brick, or cement. Page 2

3. DESIGNINSPIRATIONS When Architecture for Humanity Toronto first embarked on this project, we put a great focus on researching local
customs, practices and ways of living so that we could design the best space possible for the typical Somali family.
Below are some ideas which influenced our designs:
The patriarchal system is prevalent in Somali
culture. Men are considered the head of the
household and hold authority. For that rea-
son, we deisnged a seperate social living
area for men and women. Men can enter-
tain guests in the male social area near the
entrance of the home, and women and chil-
dren can use the female social area as their
SOCIAL AREAS:
Somalis tend to have large families and
sleeping space for 5-6 people. We designed
2-3 bedrooms: 1 master bedrooms and
1-2 bedrooms for children and guests. We
placed the bedrooms together away from
living and cooking spaces to keep the per-
sonal spaces away from busier spaces used
throughout the day.
BEDROOMS:
We designed the kitchen areas to include an
outdoor cooking area. Due to local weather
conditions, it is practical to cook outside, as
well as the added benefit of better ventila-
tion. A fire pit can be used as the main meth-
od of cooking meals.
OUTDOOR COOKING AREAS:
Privacy is very important in Somali culture so all
designs include and outer perimeter wall. The
perimeter wall will contain all rooms, spaces and
courtyards within one property area for each
household. To let in light, the perimeter and inte-
rior walls have been designed with holes of var-
ied size to balance privacy with light.
PRIVACY CONCERNS:
Because privacy is a big concern for Somali
families, we included interior courtyards so fami-
lies can have an ourdoor space that is private
from the community. Our designs have varying
degrees of roof coverage so the space has nat-
ural light without letting in too much heat from
the sun.
INTERIOR COURTYARDS:
Since the weather in Somali tends
to be very hot all year round, we
decided to slightly raise all of our
roofs, leaving space inbetween the
roof and the top of the wall. This
way, fresh area can enter from all
sizes of the unit providing natural
ventilation.
RAISED ROOFS:
Page 3

4. PROTOTYPE A
ELEVATION ENTRANCE
1:100
SECTION THROUGH COURTYARD
1:100 Page 4
FLOOR PLAN
1:100
Prototype A draws inspiration from the
courtyard house, the climate of Kismayo,
and the rhythms of everyday life for a Somali
family. The exterior walls have minimal open-
ings to maximize privacy. The porch and en-
trance area allow for the reception of guests
who might stay the night in the adjacent
men’s living space. The rooms are organized
around a central courtyard, which is the
shaded social heart of the house and main
exterior space. The courtyard and raised
roof work together to encourage fresh air
movement throughout the house and al-
low light to enter the surrounding rooms.
The sleeping rooms are grouped along one
side of the courtyard and more private,
separate social spaces for the men and
women are provided on the opposite
side. The kitchen is a focal point at the
end of the courtyard and is mostly open
to the sky to allow the cooking smoke to
quickly exit the house.

5. PROTOTYPE B
Open Cooking/
Kitchen
Entry
03 Section02 Perspective
latrinebedroom
Open Cooking/
Kitchen
Entry
Courtyard
privacy
curtain
privacy
curtain
03 Section
04 Elevation01 Perspective
02 Perspective
latrinebedroom
Open Cooking/
Kitchen
Entry
Courtyard
privacy
curtain
privacy
curtain
03 Section
04 Elevation01 Perspective
02 Perspective
ELEVATION ENTRANCE
1:100
latrinebedroom
Open Cooking/
Kitchen
Entry
Courtyard
privacy
curtain
privacy
curtain
03 Section
04 Elevation01 Perspective
02 Perspective
SECTION
1:100 Page 5
Laundry drying
and prayer preparation
(3.9m x 1.3m)
bath
(1.3m x 1.2)
water
tank
(1.8m x 1.3m)
master bedroom
Open Cooking
Kitchen
Women’s Social
spaceMen’s Social
space
Garden/
outdoor
social space
Outdoor covered
entry and
greeting area
latrine
(1.2m x 1.3)
3
A01
Courtyard
(2.6m x 4.0m)
(2.5m x 2.7m)(2.5m x 2.6m)
(3,1m x 2.3m)
(3.2m x 4.0m)
latrinebedroom
Open Cooking/
Kitchen
Entry
Courtyard
privacy
curtain
privacy
curtain
05 Plan
03 Section
04 Elevation01 Perspective
Prototype B
02 Perspective
FLOOR PLAN
1:100
The concept behind Prototype B comes
from consideration of a typical day in the life of a
Somali family. These considerations include how
a family functions, entertain guests, parent their
children, prepare for prayer and most of all, for
their comfort. In addition to the everyday consid-
erations, privacy is also a concern. The floor plan
is designed with public versus private functions.
The front of the home is served by a curved wall;
this curved design allows guests to enter easily but
shields the interior from the public. As one moves
through the building, the functions become more
and more private and screened from the outside,
with living rooms at the front and bathing and la-
trines at the back.
Finally, the roof above allows light and air
into the home leaving the courtyard and cooking
area exposed to allow release
for the smoke from cooking. With
dedicated areas for entertaining
guests, this design considers the
family as an extended part of the
community.

6. PROTOTYPE C
Bedroom
A: 88 sq ft
4
Master Bedroom & Storage
A: 109 sq ft
3
Living Room / Men's Social
A: 73 sq ft
1
Kitchen / Women's Social
A: 56 sq ft
2
Washing / Water Tank
A: 117 sq ft
B
Bedroom / Guest Space
A: 101 sq ft
5
External Kitchen
A: 24 sq ft
A
32'-93/4"
43/4"32'-1/4"43/4"
29'-6 1/4"
4 3/4" 28'-9" 4 3/4"
3'-111/4"
4'-1/2" 4 3/4" 3'-9 1/2"
4 3/4"
3'-9 1/2" 4 3/4" 8'-9" 5'-11 1/4" 8" 7"
43/4"2'-3/4"
43/4"4'-63/4"8"11'-11/4"6"5'-10"8"2'-83/4"8"5'-4"43/4"
8" 4'-5" 8"
8"5'-101/4"8"4'-7"6"5'-10"8"2'-83/4"8"
8"5'-103/4"8"8'-11"8"8'-71/2"8"
8" 16'-9" 8"
8"5'-103/4"8"8'-11"8"13'-31/2"8"
1'-5" 6' 1'-5"
8" 16'-9" 8"
8" 9'-9 3/4" 8"
8" 4'-5 1/4" 8"2'-2 1/2" 1'-7" 4 3/4"
2'-2 1/2"
1'-7"
8" 3'-9"
2
A-1
2
A-1
#DrgID
#LayID
#DrgID
#LayID
#DrgID
#LayID
#DrgID
#LayID
Latrine
InnerCourtyard
Entry
Courtyard
Bath (x2)
SCALE: 1:100
House Floor
WEST LONGITUDAL SECTION
(THROUGH COURTYARD)
1:100
SECTION
1:100 Page 6
This prototype is influenced by many vernacu-
lar homes built in Africa. The rounded corners tend
to reduce material uses while keeping the struc-
ture in rigid state, as well as eliminating unneces-
sary wasted space. The curved walls also define
separation between spaces, improved circulation
and privacy. Surrounded by perimeter walls and a
courtyard, the layout facilitates both outdoor and
indoor use, and a front courtyard invites the guests
and neighbours into the family domain. This house
has several wall openings, most of which act as
air vents to draw in cool air. This house emphasizes
not only structural integrity and affordability, but
long-term value in dwelling, socio-cultural attach-
ment and aesthetics as well. The central location
of the courtyard signifies that Somalis spend much
time outdoors and in societal activities. Rooms are
enlarged to accommodate at least
four people (four beds), so a family
of at least six can enjoy a generous
space. The outdoor kitchen is open
to above so smoke and heat can es-
cape rapidly through this open space.
FLOOR PLAN
1:100

7. PROTOTYPE D Page 7
ELEVATION ENTRANCE
1/8” = 1’-0”
SECTION
1/8” = 1’-0”
FLOOR PLAN
1/8” = 1’-0”
Prototype D is inspired by the history of Somali
architecture where homes were designed around
a central courtyard. Somali architecture began as
huts, and over time, adopted medieval architec-
ture. A common feature of medieval architecture
that modern architecture continues to include in
their property is the courtyard. The floor plan was
designed with a circular courtyard as the focal
point in the centre, with all other living require-
ments around it. The living/ entertainment areas
are together on one side, with the sleeping areas
as far away as possible on the other side of the
home to maximize privacy and separation. Kitch-
en and bathing areas are towards the rear of the
home, and partially covered by the roof to allow
for natural ventilation.
The two separate roof lines allow natural light
to travel through the space. The raised roof directs
and forces air down into the court-
yard with a chimney effect, and
allows larger volumes of hot air to
raise faster and release heat. It also
allows debris or rain to fall off eas-
ily and be collected if needed. The
garden areas provide shade and
cooling on the exterior of the build-
ing, to create a significantly cooler
microclimate around the house.

8. CLUSTERMASTERPLAN
Since the 1990’s and today, providing refuges
for internally displaced persons in Somalia has been
one of the critical issues for IDPs, humanitarians and
involved organizations. The decades-old houses
in Old Mogadishu, permanent houses in Kismayo,
other towns and villages are built in the similar man-
ner by including the following: the perimeter walls,
inner buildings and the courtyard inside. Nomadic
huts, called aqaal, are built by women using natural
found materials, and are fenced using found wood
and plant materials. Tribal huts are also built in the
same manner as do the typical brick housing in So-
malia. And while the housing layouts are nearly uni-
form across the country, the settlement patterns are
quite different from one area to another. Mogadishu,
being the capital of Somalia, has permanent struc-
tures that share the city neighbourhood traits in the
rest of African cities, as is Kismayo. Just on the out-
skirt of Kismayo, however, houses are scattered and
spread apart from one unit to another. Built without
a planning code in any way, the outskirt residential
districts in Kismayo resemble the pattern in the village
in Kaambooni, a coastal village close to Kenya’s bor-
der where tribal peoples reside. Living around the city
limits has many dangers to people’s doorsteps, such
as safety and security, weather and access to local
services.
Outer Kismayo, in southern Somalia
Page 8

9. Kaambooni, near Kenyan border
Galkayo, in northern Somalia
All are scaled at 1 cm to 10 m (Or 1 inch to 100 feet)
Old Mogadishu (capital)
Mogadishu suburbs (capital)
Some of the design iterations offered are designed
in mind for possible cluster of 150 units, accommodat-
ing hundreds of IDPs affordable, aesthetically distinct,
and structurally sound houses for mid and long-term.
These prototypes are built in the same manner as do
typical dwelling in Somalia, whether in city or out in the
countryside. When built in clusters, they define a neigh-
bourhood, or a village in its own right. Between clusters
of houses, arteries carve through the area and they
can potentially act as public spaces for communal
activities, new transportation routes, improving access
to services, and room to grow in generation to come.
Here, on page 10, the houses were placed in series, by
proximity to services in size and local significance. In
Mogadishu and Kismayo, houses in inner city are built
in a grid patterns, along a major throughfare, whereas
houses in more organic, less rigid blocks are farther from
major city services.
In this scheme, a large open lot would be used for
community activities such as farmer’s market, cultural
events and local festivities while smaller open lots sur-
rounded by organic blocks of houses, would be used
for something closer to large family gatherings, chil-
dren’s playground and even gardening. These small
lots would be also ideal for community wells too. A
rectilinear block of houses would likely be inhabited by
families that serve the local community through com-
mercial and non-profit activities, while those living in less
defined blocks are saved for larger families so that if the
need for expansion arises, open spaces that surround
them would serve the growing families very well.
The coloured lots under the houses cover 10 houses; in
total there are 15 lots which means 150 houses form a
small prototype community. Page 9

10. Page 10