Embarking on my first freelance architectural project is both exhilarating and challenging, tasked with renovating and expanding a former private villa turned hotel village in Tarrafal, Cabo Verde. This unique endeavor blends vernacular Caboverdean architecture with modern Western influences, presenting a rich tapestry of design opportunities within an unfamiliar geographical, climatic, and sociological context.
Research and dialogue with local architects and inhabitants are pivotal, aiming to grasp the nuances of local life and architectural traditions. Understanding the movement of hotel workers, integrating the hotel’s image into the village fabric, and preserving the essence of the existing handicraft are fundamental to the project’s integrity.
My responsibilities span conceptualizing new hotel rooms, designing a spacious restaurant with an expansive outdoor terrace, a shop, a collaborative bike workshop with Scott Bikes, storage facilities, laundry, and changing rooms. Emphasizing spatial efficiency for both guests and staff while integrating seamlessly into the urban context of Tarrafal is paramount.
Inspired by the natural surroundings, I aim to optimize natural ventilation and create microclimates, leveraging wind patterns and porous surfaces to harmonize the hotel village with its environment. Moreover, the project challenges me personally to navigate my identity as a young white female architect within the post-colonial dynamics of Cabo Verde, emphasizing respectful collaboration and sensitivity to local perspectives and histories.
This project is not just about architectural transformation; it’s a journey of cultural exchange, sustainability, and community integration, reflecting a commitment to enhancing both the built environment and social fabric of Tarrafal.