Interview with Myrto Venizelou, Olga Psarri

Can you tell us more about you?

We are Myrto and Olga, two young architects from Greece who studied architecture at the National Technical University of Athens. From then on, we started collaborating, achieving significant milestones together. Throughout time, we created a common ground and a unified methodology for engaging with diverse socio-spatial, temporal, and environmental systems and scales. Although our paths diverged at times, our mutual admiration and respect for each other’s work, and aligned perspective on the role of architectural research and practice have always kept us connected. Kaira Looro provided us with both a challenge and an opportunity to combine our diverse expertise, share our experiences, and create a design that truly reflects our values and aspirations as practising architects.

What was your feeling when you knew you were among the top projects of the competition?

We already shared positive feelings regarding our participation in the Kaira Looro 2024 competition, as the design process was immensely fulfilling. Aware of the competition's quality and standards, we were motivated to participate and test our potential. When the results were announced, we were very excited and honored to be selected among so many talented entries. This recognition served as a validation of our hard work, creativity, and dedication to our design principles. It encouraged us to keep pushing our limits in architecture and strengthened our belief in the value of collaboration and the power of architecture to inspire and create positive change.

Can you briefly explain the concept of your project and which is the relationship between it and the women’s health?

Our project envisions the maternity centre as a sanctuary for all women in need, promoting equal access to healthcare while focusing on awareness and prevention alongside treatment. Designed not only to meet the requested hygienic standards, the care facility is both a protected and inviting space for expecting or prospective mothers. Departing from the typical rigid hospital environments of southern Senegal, the facility features a central cavity and expanded intermediate spaces that foster communication and interaction. A transparent second skin enhances privacy and comfort for the users, while green atriums serve as focal points, integrating nature to foster a healthy and soothing atmosphere. The interplay of these elements forms a cohesive composition that is both functional and sustainable. By ensuring patients and visitors feel welcomed, cared for, and inspired, the proposed maternity centre transcends its role as a medical facility, becoming a beacon of women’s health, education, and community well-being.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

When designing, our philosophy revolves primarily around contextual integration. Especially in this case, our design decisions were mainly guided by the rural community needs, cultural traits, site and landscape characteristics, climatic conditions, and traditional construction techniques. Inspired by Senegalese vernacular architecture, we prioritized sustainable, low-tech and concise design solutions, optimizing user comfort and well-being and reducing ecological impact. At the same time, we focused on feasibility, functionality, and ergonomics while emphasizing the expansion of intermediary spaces to highlight the social function of maternal facilities, aligning with our broader contextual considerations.

How did the material choice affect your design?

Materiality significantly influenced our design, particularly in terms of viability, applicability, sustainability and aesthetics. By meticulously choosing local materials, we ensured that our design is not only architecturally sound but also environmentally and socially responsible.

Has your design been inspired by other projects in developing countries or past projects of Kaira Looro?

Our design approach is driven by a profound curiosity, drawing inspiration from various sources to create a unique composition. Our proposal has been influenced by the works of renowned architects such as Diébédo Francis Kéré and Toshiko Mori. Kéré's focus on sustainable and community-driven practices and Mori's ecologically sensitive siting strategies were fundamental principles embedded in our design. Additionally, our research on healthcare facilities in Senegal and past competition entries of Kaira Looro, has provided us with an understanding of local needs, sanitary conditions, and construction standards in Sub-Saharan Africa.

How your idea of architecture can improve health in developing countries, and how the local community concerned could perceive this architecture?

We believe that architecture can considerably improve health in developing countries by addressing key challenges, such as sanitation, access to healthcare, infrastructure needs, and environmental quality. Local communities are likely to perceive such architecture positively when it resonates with their needs, cultural values, and daily realities. Therefore, their involvement and input are considered invaluable in the design and implementation process. This collaborative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of architectural interventions but also strengthens community resilience and sustainability over time.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of architects in dealing with complex issues such as health’s rights in developing countries?

The responsibilities of architects extend beyond mere design and construction. As Kéré mentions: "Architecture is primarily a service to humanity." Architects have the potential to contribute significantly by leveraging spatial design as a tool to inform and educate, creating social impact and advocating for health equity and human rights. Change cannot come from a single project alone; however, one project can act as a transmitter of broader messages. User engagement is crucial in this process, ensuring that people adopt and spread the intended message.

The aim of the competition was also to improve the research on the topics of sustainable architecture with natural and recycled materials. How do you feel that contemporary architecture is approaching these topics?

Contemporary architecture is increasingly embracing sustainable practices by integrating innovative approaches that minimize environmental impact. This shift not only addresses the pressing need for eco-conscious construction but also promotes advancement in material science and construction techniques. At the same time, many valuable insights can be drawn from vernacular architecture. It’s truly inspiring to research alternative methods on how to considerably reduce ecological footprints by efficiently utilizing local means. This holistic approach supports ecological balance while promoting resilient and culturally rich built environments for future generations.

The competition registration fee was devolved to the non-profit organization Balouo Salo that helps people in disadvantage area of Senegal. How has it affected you approach to the competition?

Knowing from the beginning the charitable cause of the registration fee, we felt that simply participating allowed us to contribute to the Balouo Salo’s mission. Inevitably, this context strengthened our sense of social responsibility during the design process. In particular, we were extremely motivated to create a design that genuinely reflects the true needs of the local community.

Your prize is an internship at SBGA one of the most prestigious architecture studios around the world. Can you express your feelings about it?

We are very grateful to be given such an opportunity through the competition. We really value being able to expand our scope, exchange ideas, and interact with esteemed professionals in the field, all while experiencing personal and professional growth in a diverse, international environment like SBGA.

The aim of the competition is also to give professional opportunities to young architects with internship prize and visibility at international level, and we wish your team the best achievements for your career. How do you think you will be in next 10 years? According to you, can this award affect your future?

Exactly 10 years ago, we began studying architecture, and looking back, we could never have imagined where we are today. One thing is certain: wherever our professional paths lead us in another decade, we aim to maintain the same passion for architecture that drives us today, aspiring towards an impactful architecture with a social purpose. This award has been a great step towards this direction, yet we hope to stay current, embrace change, and approach architectural design as a multifaceted and dynamic process.