Acquainting Embedded Elemental Wisdom of Omaheke’s Sandveld into a Namibian Nature Foundation Knowledge Exchange Centre

Abstract

Located in Eastern Namibia, the Omaheke region functions as one of the key economic contributors, becoming known for, among others, its excellent produce farming, and specifically its cattle-related products. Known as “Cattle Country,” Omaheke faces challenges due to farming practices becoming less sustainable. Some farmers started to implement alternative income sources, some related to tourism to create better livelihoods. However, less knowledgeable farmers resort to unsustainable practices, such as overgrazing, leaving the same natural ecosystem needed to sustain their livelihoods to become degraded. Through the question below, the Genius Loci of the context is investigated to reverse the degradation of the Sandveld. How could the embedded elemental wisdom of Omaheke’s Sandveld inform an architecture of acquaintance composed of gathered moments of knowledge exchange able to foster a deeper appreciation of this arid place and proselytize a community towards eco-agriculture? A place could be defined as the cumulative nature of all the elements (natural, economic, social), creating its unique identity and meaning. If even one of these elements is disrupted, for example, the natural landscape (Camelthorn Savannah or Sandveld) in this case, the very thing that gives a place its meaning, could be lost. Therefore, this phenomenological research approach comprises of a qualitative case study, through which tools and systems derived from Genius Loci (as a Phenomenological approach) will be applied to generate a proposed architectural design. Using Genius Loci as a theoretical lens, a deeper understanding of the meaning of place within the Sandveld of Omaheke’s veld pans and dunes was gained through sketching as an analysis technique. The technique of sketching natural landscapes and elements, to analyse the context, informing possible architectural spaces, forms, and design informants, as by Jacobson (2019) used to conduct the research. Using this technique, the Genius Loci was understood and implemented into a contextually relevant intervention. To propose a place for research and information exchange, serving nature, researchers, tourists, and local farmers alike, could foster a deeper understanding of Omaheke’s Camelthorn Savannah. Possibly becoming the catalyst needed to revitalise and strengthen the relationship between the natural environment and its communities, harmonising and sustaining living, being, and place.