Trees, Toys, and Terrain

Rwanda faces a critical shortage of dental services, with only 48 dentists serving nearly 12 million people and oral health issues accounting for 18 percent of preventable morbidity cases. His Hands On Africa (HHOA) initiated the HOPE Dental Clinic and Training Institute in Kigali to address this gap by providing high-quality treatment, training local dentists, and extending outreach through community and mobile clinics. The proposed design embraces Rwanda’s sloping terrain and eucalyptus-rich landscape, organizing three interconnected buildings: a dental clinic with a training institute, a supply warehouse, and residential quarters. Constructed with volcanic stone walls, locally made bricks, and flat concrete roofs that double as rainwater-collecting terraces, the design prioritizes sustainability, resilience, and cultural identity. A covered circulation spine links the buildings, opening into gardens, patios, and contemplative outdoor spaces. By integrating local materials, renewable energy, and accessible planning, the project creates a dignified, cheerful healthcare hub while training future dentists and fostering long-term community health.