Masai Mara Conservation Centre International Competition
Royal Institute of British Architects + Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy

Vision and Background
The Masai Mara Conservation Centre at Oloololo Gate of the Masai Mara National Reserve is envisioned as an innovative and engaging facility that aims to educate, inspire, and create awareness about conservation and the unique ecosystem of the Masai Mara.

The competition brief asked entrants to provide visitors with interactive and exciting experiences while promoting sustainable tourism practices. The facility should include parking, essential amenities, an engaging exhibition space, interactive learning zones, a gift shop, and environmentally conscious design features.

The competition received over 100 entries from 32 different countries.

Architectural Concept and Intent
The Masai Mara Conservation Centre (MMCC) conceptually references Masai culture in a new contemporary structure that reinterprets traditional Masai planning typologies and forms.
 
Intended as a didactic visitor experience, the MMCC emphasizes a commitment to conservation, biodiversity, and preserving the ecosystems of the Masai Mara through the integration of Masai traditional motifs, local materials, and construction technologies.

Architectural Planning

Entrance - 40.97m²
Visitors enter from the accessible north east terrace into an open reception area with ticketing desk and seating areas. A contiguous information gallery, featuring a model of a Masai Hut, acts as a cultural introduction and a meeting point hub.

Exhibition space - 135.08m²
The open plan exhibition space includes interactive and dynamic exhibition zones designated in the design brief. Displays feature biodiversity, flora, fauna, and the conservation efforts of the Masai Mara. Louvered doors open onto the south-east terrace area, presenting opportunities to extend the exhibition space for outdoor workshops.
 
Gift Shop - 25.18m²
Entered directly from the reception area, the gift shop offers the requisite ethically sourced, sustainable, and locally made products.
 
Café - 36.51m²
With seating for ±20 people, the cafe offers self service drinks and snacks. A small preparation kitchen is equipped with a sink, fridge/freezer, and an optional toasted sandwich press.
 
Classroom space - 80.36m²
The designated 30-desk classroom space, features louvered doors opening to the north west terrace area, presenting opportunities for outdoor classroom activities and presentation workshops.

Restrooms - 25.17m²
Men's and Women's restrooms are discreetly planned off the reception areas. Both facilities are designed to meet international accessibility standards.

Site Design
Specific consideration has been given to the alignment of the new MMCC along the longitudinal axis of the Oloololo Gate building. Echelon parking areas are strategically planned between them to allow access to both structures.
 
Emphasis has been placed on creating outdoor terraces around the new MMCC to experience the views and offer wildlife protection. These raised terraces supplement the views from the MMCC viewing bridge.
 
Sustainability
The MMCC embodies strategies of sustainability comparable to the environmental principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. These principles apply to material selection, operating cost reduction and maintenance, through the integration of natural ventilation, daylighting, and passive energy-efficient technologies. Locally sourced stone is proposed for exterior wall structures, with lightweight recyclable metal roofing. Custom stucco surfaces are envisioned for the ‘cracked mud’ textures of the ‘Masai’ wings.

The Centre is intended as a focal point for visitors to the Masai Mara, providing an immersive educational experience that highlights the significance of the natural and cultural heritage of the area.