Acclaimed South African architect Sumayya Vally is once again making waves, this time with a groundbreaking wellness and fitness center designed for refugees in Kakuma, Kenya. Partnering with the creative platform To.org, Vally is set to transform the refugee community’s landscape with her innovative and symbolic structure, Regenerate Kakuma. Drawing inspiration from the resilience of the local environment and the tenacity of the refugee population, Vally’s design represents more than just a building—it’s a testament to survival, community, and hope.
A Design Rooted in Resilience
Kakuma, home to roughly 285,000 refugees from 19 countries, will soon welcome Regenerate Kakuma, a multi-purpose center that blends fitness, agriculture, education, and cultural spaces. Designed by Vally’s firm, Counterspace, the building’s form echoes the region’s natural landscape with a stepped roof that seamlessly integrates into the surroundings. The design takes cues from the termite mounds native to the area, symbolizing resilience and community strength. These natural formations serve as a metaphor for the center’s role—fostering collective well-being and adapting to the needs of Kakuma’s diverse refugee population.
“The termite mounds, which are a powerful symbol of resilience, influenced the architecture’s ability to adapt and support the community,” Vally explained. This symbolism is woven throughout the structure, highlighting the importance of nature’s wisdom in creating sustainable and enduring spaces.
Blending Tradition with Modern Purpose
The innovative design of Regenerate Kakuma also incorporates cultural elements from the various communities that call the refugee settlement home. Vally drew inspiration from the rich traditions and rituals of refugees from Burundi, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other nations. From the intricate wood carvings of the Dinka people to the spiritual talismans of Somali heritage, the center becomes a celebration of the many cultural identities that form the heart of Kakuma.
Locally sourced Turkana stone will be used to construct the thick, geometric walls, adding a sense of groundedness while ensuring the building remains in harmony with its environment. Lightwells cut into the roof will channel sunlight into the interior, creating varying intensities of light to evoke different moods—softly illuminated spaces for meditation and brightly lit areas for physical activities like fitness training.
Community-Driven Facilities for Well-being
Designed in collaboration with Kakuma residents Rita Brown and Abubakar Rugamba, Regenerate Kakuma will serve as a hub for both physical and mental wellness. The center will house a gym, an outdoor basketball court, a meditation hall, and an agroforestry area to teach agricultural skills while promoting food security.
“The vision was to create a space that truly serves the community’s needs—physically, emotionally, and culturally,” said Vally. “It’s a place for healing, growth, and connection.”
This project marks a significant step forward in blending architecture with social responsibility, providing the Kakuma refugee community with not only a space for fitness and wellness but also a foundation for education and cultural exchange. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, promising a brighter future for thousands of refugees.
