Muzi Design Studio

An Architecture practice in the heart of Blantyre city, in Malawi, interested in creating an architecture of identity. Architecture in Malawi has been influenced by many forces including the following, training, economy, and politics. Training; Architectural education in Malawi is lacking in local architectural discourse. As a result, the industry heavily relies on imported literature to train it's architects, with very little investment on the building of local literature and a pedagogy that responds to local and international requirements. Secondly, the economy; the development on many structures within the nation is not only through foreign aid, but also through government. This trend has created development models that do not reflect national pride and cultural identity. Lastly, politics: Malawi's political climate started with imperialism which thrived through erasure of culture and identity, followed by a one-party system, which further enforced the philosophy that what is alien or foreign is better, followed by a confused political environment that simply favored the cheapest product, even when adverse to the environment and built environment. Muzi stands in an environment heavily shaped by these forces, and with the intention to create discourse around culture and identity. To start to think of architecture in terms of community, the nation, the village, the individual. To think of our cities as living landscapes that are constantly changing through the life in them. To carve landscapes that boldly tell the stories of our people.