The Wangarĩ Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies is located on a gently sloping 50-acre site at the University of Nairobi Kabete campus, Kenya. It was envisaged to inspire a hub of activities focused on natural resource management and education for sustainable development. The building was expected to meet stringent sustainability and conservation criteria, aiming to achieve close to 100% carbon neutrality and self-sufficiency.

 Wangarĩ Maathai was an environmental activist. The design gives expression to her vision for a democratic space that would facilitate sustainable management of environmental resources, education and empowerment. A tree at the centre of the space represents Maathai’s commitment to tree planting and her collaborations with the Green Belt Movement, a non-governmental organisation that uses tree planting as an entry point for self-determination, equity, improved livelihoods and security and environmental conservation.

 The roof of the building floats over the facilities below like a dramatic flowing tree canopy resting on tree-like steel columns. The building form seems to blend with the topography of the surrounding landscape, yet at certain key points the canopy is raised up to receive visitors into the building. The architectural quality, material and detailing of the building were crucial, in terms of the external envelope and the indoor spatial environment in terms of occupant comfort. The relationship to the public realm, street level activation, scale, legibility and permeability were key drivers in the design that could help to addressing its social context and urban regeneration.