Research & Development 

We are deeply committed to integrated afro-modern, complex design, and sustainable design. We aim to implement the following in more and more of our current and future projects:

• Incorporating active and passive energy efficient strategies, envisaging how the occupants will use the building 365 days per year, starting with the orientation, location, and local resources.

• energy efficient systems, such as solar hot water panels, photovoltaic panels, thermal mass, green roofs, passive design, and natural ventilation strategies, reduce the building's carbon footprint and energy consumption.

• Using materials that are locally sourced, recycled, or have a low environmental impact.

• Designing buildings with natural lighting and ventilation in mind reduces the need for artificial lighting and HVAC systems.

• Integrating rainwater harvesting and grey-water recycling systems to conserve water.

• Creating green spaces and promoting the use of public transportation, or alternative modes of transportation such as electric vehicles, to reduce the building's impact on the environment.

• Collaborating with clients and stakeholders to ensure that the building design meets their needs and goals while also being sustainable.

• As we were among the founding members of Zambia Green Building Association (ZGBA), we are equipped to make sure that our designs meet or exceed relevant sustainability rating systems in the region or internationally, such as Passive House, BREEAM, LEED, Green Star SA. Additionally, we have visited other green initiatives, such as the BRE Science Park, in the UK. By continuously researching and implementing sustainable building practices, we aim to create buildings that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also have a positive impact on the environment and the community at large, especially due to the fact that some local suppliers of electricity may not meet the electrical demand of all buildings at all times.

We are committed to giving back to the community and the industry through various initiatives. One way we do this is by participating in international architecture competitions. These competitions not only allow us to showcase our design skills and creativity, but also provide us with the opportunity to share our ideas and vision for how design can make a positive impact on society.

In addition to participating in competitions, we also believe in the importance of education and sharing our knowledge with others. To this end, we regularly give lectures and presentations at universities and industry events. These lectures provide a platform for us to share our experiences and insights with the next generation of architects and designers.

By participating in competitions and giving lectures, we hope to inspire and educate others about the role that architecture can play in shaping the built environment and improving the quality of life for people around the world. We are proud to be able to contribute to the field of architecture in these ways and look forward to continuing to give back in the future.

We are able to design buildings internationally thanks to the use of the latest 3D software from Autodesk. This software allows us to easily input geolocation and weather data for any construction site location on earth, which helps us to accurately design buildings that are tailored to the specific climate and conditions of the site.

Having access to this detailed information allows us to create designs that are energy efficient and sustainable, taking into account factors such as the sun's angle and intensity, wind patterns, and temperature variations. It also enables us to accurately visualize how the building will look and function in its intended location, which is especially useful when working with clients and stakeholders who may not be familiar with the site.

Overall, the use of 3D software with geolocation and weather data capabilities greatly enhances our ability to design buildings internationally, allowing us to create high-quality, site-specific designs that meet the needs and goals of our clients.

ODC incorporates an afro-modern design aesthetic. Afro-modern design seeks to blend traditional African aesthetics with modern design principles, therefore creating a new modern African identity that reflects our cultural heritage, while also embracing the present age.

We aim to incorporate bold colours and patterns from vibrant African textiles such as the dashiki or kitenge, and African art, in new and exciting ways. We hope this will result in a style that is both visually stunning and culturally significant for the built environment.

Moreover, in light of our sustainability goals, we incorporate local artisans and craftspeople to create products that are made from natural materials and produced using sustainable methods. Therefore, our focus on sustainability not only supports local communities but also appeals to consumers who are increasingly concerned about the impact of their purchasing decisions on the environment.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal and sustainability focus, Afro-modern design also reflects the zeitgeist of the present age in its celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Zambia and Africa at large is blessed with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. There are a lot of local or African products or solutions that should be incorporated in African designs, that are relevant to people from all walks of life, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or background.

Afro-modern design is also helping to promote African culture and heritage on the global stage. As designers from Africa gain recognition for their work, they are helping to shift perceptions of the continent away from stereotypes and towards a more nuanced and accurate understanding of its people and traditions.

In conclusion, by ODC incorporating afro-modern designs in our buildings, ODC form part of a movement that is both visually stunning and culturally significant. The emphasis on bold colours and patterns, sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity reflects the zeitgeist of the present age and offers a fresh perspective on African aesthetics and traditions. As more architects and designers in Africa continue to push the boundaries of this exciting new movement, we can expect to see even more innovative and inspiring work that reflects the continent's unique identity and creativity.