boorow2.pdf somali national university ok

brief

1. Site Location
The site is on the Mogadishu
coastline, facing the Indian
Ocean. Previous site of
Italian governor and curuba
hotel
Site location and context
Historical Significance
Originally the site of the Italian
Governor’s Palace (1928), then
Hotel Curuba.
Nearby Historical Buildings
•Arba’a Rukun Mosque: 13th-
century, historic Swahili-
Islamic style
•Mogadishu Lighthouse: Early
20th-century colonial,
maritime heritage
• The Arch of Umberto
Noise
Main noise sources: coastal
traffic, beach activity, occasional
construction.
Accessibility & Transport
Well-connected by main
coastal roads. Close to city
center. High pedestrian
activity.
Environmental analysis
Temperature
Coastal Mogadishu: 26–32°C
average annual temperature
Low seasonal variation due
to proximity to equator.
Rainfall
Approx. 400 mm/year,
mainly in April–May and
October–November.
. Sun Path.
Nearly overhead sun at noon,
year-round due to 2° N. Often
from east to weas
Wind Direction
SW winds dominate
April–October (cooling sea
breeze)NE winds dominate
November
Topography
Low elevation (3–9 m above
sea level), gently sloping
toward the ocean.
Humidity
High humidity (70–85%) due to
coastal environment. Natural
ventilation critical to reduce
moisture accumulation and mold.
Neighboring buildings.

2. Site dimension
The area of our site is 8025.2251m2
Architectural Style and Cultural Relevance.
Flat roof
Geometric shape
Large windows
balconies
Demographics of the Area
The site is located in Mogadishu, a rapidly
growing city with a large and diverse
urban population. The area includes a mix
of clans and communities, with many
returnees from the Somali diaspora
investing in reconstruction. This diversity
creates demand for mixed-use
developments that combine hospitality,
cultural, and community functions.
Social and economic analysis
Economic Activities and Opportunities
The local economy is driven by trade,
small businesses, and a growing
hospitality sector supported by diaspora
investment. The Ex-Curuba site has
strong potential for tourism and mixed-
use development, combining hotel
services, community spaces, and local
markets. Redeveloping the site can create
jobs, support small enterprises, and serve
as a cultural and economic landmark for
Mogadishu.
Community Needs and Preferences
Local communities need access to
essential services, public spaces, and
safe recreational areas. People prefer
culturally rooted designs that reflect
Somali identity and promote social
interaction. Security and safety remain
top priorities due to the city’s history of
instability, so any redevelopment must
balance openness with protection and
resilience.
S – Strengths: Central location, good transport
access, multiple entrances, diverse buildings,
historical value.
W – Weaknesses: Heavy traffic, irregular street
layout, mixed building styles, boundary wall issues.
O – Opportunities: Parking potential, links with
nearby markets, event use, easy material access.
T – Threats: Wall impact, traffic interruption,
competition from existing markets.
Swot analysis