Maxaquene Txombene

Circular economy and cultural heritage in an informal settlement.

On the exhibition '70 % Less CO2' you can explore the project 'Maxaquene Txombene'. 

Public space plays a crucial role for the social interaction of the inhabitants of informal settlements as they spend much of their free time outside their homes. Such areas are often in poor condition, however, due to their extra-legal status and the consequent lack of public investments.

This project transforms an old defunct drinking water fountain into a shaded recreational space in an informal settlement in Maputo, Mozambique. The structure is built of beams made of recycled plastic waste, and the concrete blocks used in the landscape design are cast in reclaimed water bottles.

The project is developed and implemented by Danish and Mozambican architecture students. It raises discussions on the principles of circular economy in construction, the quality of public space in informal settlements, and Maputo’s cultural heritage.