A bio-centre is an innovative sanitation building typology that provides basic services in a crowded slum, with sanitation (toilets) and bathing as the starting point. The bio-centre provides a dignified and hygienic way for a large amount of local residents in the surrounding slums to relieve themselves dwellers. The building is thus “collecting” faeces that would otherwise pollute the street environment, make the residents sick and contribute to trapping them in a negative disease-poverty cycle.
The faeces are collected in a large underground tank where a natural, combustible biogas is produced. The gas is piped to nearby homes where it can be used for cooking on gas stoves, and the sale of gas helps to keep the building running.
The bio-centre in Kampala is the first of its kind in Uganda, and we have high hopes of building more once the operational setup is in place.
On this evening, architect, project manager and CEO of Architects Without Borders Anton Ryslinge will talk about the birth of the project, its challenges and the very close collaboration between Architects Without Borders, local development organizations, authorities and slum residents that has made the construction of the bio-centre possible.
Read more about the bio-centre here.
The event is reserved for members of Architects Without Borders and takes place at our office at Fælledvej 12, 2200 Nørrebro. Find entrance C where we are located on the top floor.
There will be snacks as well as cheap beer and sodas.