Nifemi Marcus-Bello is the designer of a new bamboo pavilion made for the Lagos-based skateboarding company, Wafflesncream. The structure, dubbed the Waf Kiosk, boasts a modular design. It comprises six modular pieces and pays homage to Lagos' local streetwear sellers.
The kiosk is inspired by Okrika, the streetwear vendors in Lagos who have developed an architectural archetype. Clothes are hung above eye level while the Waf Kiosk is in use, mimicking the common vendors. According to Marcus-Bello, "the idea was to design a space that would embrace a singular and humble material." For the Waf Kiosk, that material would be bamboo. The bamboo used in this construction was sourced from Badagry, a coastal town in the outskirts of Lagos.
Image Credit: Nifemi Marcus-Bello
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Modular Bamboo Structures
- The trend of utilizing modular bamboo structures in architectural design can be a disruptive innovation for sustainable and efficient construction practices.
- Local Streetwear-inspired Designs
- Designers can innovate by creating structures inspired by traditional streetwear vendors in local areas, paying homage to the culture and history of the location.
- Sustainable Materials Usage
- A growing trend towards sustainability in design and construction can inspire the innovative use of eco-friendly and renewable materials like bamboo.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Architecture and Design
- Incorporating eco-friendly and modular materials like bamboo in architectural designs can help transform the industry towards more sustainable practices.
- Outdoor Recreation
- The use of sustainable and modular materials in outdoor recreational structures like skateboarding pavilions can be a disruptive innovation for the industry, promoting eco-friendliness and sustainability.
- Fashion and Streetwear
- Designers can find inspiration from traditional streetwear vendors and incorporate similar design elements in their creations, leading to innovative fashion designs that pay homage to local culture and history.
