LU’UMA – Space And Shadow For Education: Regenerative Architecture For Wayuu Culture That Promote Self-Sufficiency & Environmental Recovery | Bachelors Design Project

Site Context

Until the early 19th century, tropical dry forests persisted in the high and middle Guajira region of northern Colombia. The logging of Brazilwood and Mulberry trees for European use destroyed windbreaks and watershed protection in this fragile environment, accelerating desertification. Goats further damaged the ecosystem by feeding on native species like the dividivi, weakening the remaining vegetation barriers.

These ecological disruptions, combined with water scarcity, forced the Wayuu people into a nomadic lifestyle. Nomadism has since become a survival strategy in a territory where drought is persistent and access to resources is limited.

Today, Guajira faces an environmental and humanitarian crisis marked by water shortages, child malnutrition, and high illiteracy rates. Wayuu children are especially vulnerable, lacking access to healthcare, education, and food.

In this context, the Lu’Uma project seeks to offer sustainable solutions that integrate eco-remediation strategies with the cultural and social dynamics of the Wayuu communities. It addresses desertification, poor waste management, and the loss of forest cover by creating a model that combines environmental sustainability with community development.

Design Process

The central design question is: How can we create spaces that respect and foster the development of Wayuu culture while promoting self-sufficiency, environmental restoration, and social well-being?

The Lu’Uma project responds with a flexible, modular architecture integrated into the natural landscape. It centers around the jagüeyes (natural wetlands), using them as hubs of life, ecological regeneration, and community gathering. These hubs are surrounded by gardens, orchards, and communal areas that support cultural exchange, education, and sustainable living.

Final Outcome

The Lu’Uma project aims to develop dispersed, open spaces linked to the Jagüeyes wetlands, tapping into their potential as centers for life and ecological renewal. By incorporating a flexible and modular architectural design, the project introduces gardens, orchards, and communal areas to enhance community activities like knowledge exchange and cultural practices.

The modular design’s adaptability allows for growth as surrounding communities expand, making Lu’Uma a scalable model for both environmental and social restoration. Additionally, the project emphasizes the use of steel, chosen for its resilience in harsh conditions, ease of prefabrication, and transport, maximizing the region’s available resources.

Towards a sustainable and culturally integrated future, Lu’Uma not only addresses La Guajira’s environmental challenges but also honors the Wayuu people’s distinct lifestyles. The project aims to transform architecture into a tool for sustainability and inclusivity, striking a balance between preserving local traditions and fostering the innovation needed to tackle contemporary crises.

Conclusion: Ultimately, the project offers an innovative, sustainable solution for ecological and community recovery in La Guajira. By integrating flexible architecture with the region’s natural resources and cultural practices, it creates a scalable model that adapts to community growth while promoting environmental and social resilience.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]