![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-01.jpg)
Steven Holl Architects’ design for a new library at the center of a new campus plan has been approved by The Miracle for Africa Foundation. The 66,000 sq. ft. library is organized via a section that provides maximum reflected light to the interior with optimum solar PV collection on the roofs.
![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-02.jpg)
Natural light bouncing off curved prefabricated roof structures made of Ductile concrete form space like a “field within a field.” The free plan library has meeting rooms and archives encased in glass for humidity control. A central rain collecting pool demarks the main circulation desk and ripples through the roof geometry like a wave field in cloud-like light.
![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-03.jpg)
The construction will utilize local stone and bamboo and local labor. Screens of locally crafted bamboo define the building perimeter leaving a shaded arcade space all around. This library will be the initial construction of a new campus whose plan morphology has been inspired by paintings of a Malawi batik artist.
![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-04.jpg)
The client, Mr. Y. K. Chung, founder and chairman of the Miracle for Africa Foundation, made the following comments following the design presentation: “There is great excitement about this project as an artistic masterpiece, and about the solar energy concept as it works with maximal light, ventilation, and humidity control.
![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-05.jpg)
I’m astonished at the consideration and interpretation of Malawian batik art, the reflective pool, waves in a field of light, and the philosophical axes of the campus. This project is historic, the library will be an iconic marker for a great moment in the architectural history of Malawi and for all of Africa; especially Malawi, which has been away from modern civilization for so long.”
![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-06.jpg)
Malawi, called “The Warm Heart of Africa” has a population of 16.7 million. It is among the smallest countries in Africa (Lake Malawi is 1/3 its area). It is among the world’s least developed countries with the world’s lowest income per person (according to World Bank Report).
![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-07.jpg)
The Miracle for Africa Foundation aims to serve the people of Malawi and Africa in need by expanding healthcare, education, and agricultural opportunities. Sorce by Steven Holl Architects.
![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-08.jpg)
![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-09.jpg)
![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-10.jpg)
![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-11.jpg)
![Library and Campus masterplan approved for Malawi](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Library-and-Campus-masterplan-approved-for-Malawi-by-Steven-Holl-Architects-12.jpg)