Madirisha Mia Moja

Madirisha Mia Moja is an ongoing research and visual exploration into how architectural motifs function as a form of cultural storytelling. Originating from a six-month stay in Stone Town, Zanzibar (2022–2023), my fascination with documenting the city’s intricate and handcrafted window grills has grown into a broader inquiry into patterns as visual language—encoding identity, memory, and craftsmanship within the built environment.

While in Zanzibar for a research initiative on aerial mapping and climate change, I became increasingly drawn to the architectural details that shaped the city’s streetscape. The window grills, each uniquely crafted by hand, stood out as emblems of the island's story. As I walked through Stone Town’s narrow pathways, I observed how these patterns not only framed private and public space but also carried the imprint of African, Islamic, Asian, and colonial influences. Walking became a way to engage more deeply with these elements—revealing how they functioned as both ornamental and protective elements.

As this research develops, it seeks to inform architecture, design, and creative practice while elevating Swahili and African design within the larger discourse. Using Zanzibar as a case study, it highlights how the details in our environments embody the culture and values of those who inhabit space, revealing the deep layers of meaning embedded in our built world.