Parallel Studio, is proud to announce the opening of Mariam’s Library, Zanzibar’s newest educational resource center, situated in the village of Mwanyanya. This initiative, undertaken as part of Parallel’s Gives Program, signifies the firm's commitment to giving back to both local and global communities.
Mariam’s Library, an initiative conceived, designed, and managed by Parallel Studio, under the direction of Mai Al Busairi from Kuwait, with book donations provided by Fatima Al Mahoumd from Bahrain, aims to provide the students of Zanzibar with enhanced educational opportunities. This resource hub is meticulously curated to align with the curriculum, serving not only the students at Beit Ras School but also the Mwanyanya community.
“As an architect my inspiration was وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَاهِيمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ It was an honor to serve the people in need and staying away from capitalism/commercialism/ materialism from time to time.” Mai Al Busairi
"As non-locals, every moment is crucial! Our daily tasks include material research, price analysis, budgeting, on-site supervision, project management and safety measures to ensure the team's presence and well-being. Moreover, when a team member contracted a contagious eye disease in Zanzibar that was spreading at that time, swift action was taken to safeguard the health and safety of the entire team." - Mai Al Busairi
Respecting the original architecture of Zanzibar and utilizing sustainable materials were paramount goals in the design process. The design team prioritized creativity and sustainability. Nature played a vital role as a member of the design team, helping to maintain sustainability efforts on track.
Parallel Studio is thrilled to contribute to the educational landscape of Zanzibar through Mariam’s Library, underscoring its dedication to social responsibility and community development.
About Parallel Studio
Parallel Studio is a driven architects’ firm, based in Kuwait founded by Arch. Mai Al Busairi.The team comes from a variety of backgrounds, yet working in parallel, bringing together our ideologies and methods to the edge. We design based on statements from fundamentals and re-construct the presence by exploration and exploitation of the project. Parallel Studio immerses with a diversity of scales in the spectrum of architecture, art, and design. Not limited to restrictions, but by understanding the characteristic that morphs designs, programs, and aesthetics as a parallel principle.
Architecture, Art, & Design ubiquitously functions in parallel.
Additional information
The construction time was 34 days from a flat soil to the end result.
Open for Mwanyanya Community and Beit Ras School students.
