The buildings reconstructed here are mass cells in what was Mweru works camp. Mass cells could hold approximately 60 detainees in a space measuring 17ft by 28ft. They had no windows and only had a single entrance. The only ventilation was the space between the roof and the walls, and this was lined with barbed wire to prevent detainees from escaping.
After independence Mweru Works Camp was converted into a secondary school and today goes by the name Mweru High School. These buildings can still be found within the school today and are presently used as classrooms. The school has made some modifications such as adding windows to the buildings however the barbed wire evidence along the roof can still be seen.
3D Renders
Evidence for 3D reconstruction
Evidence for the reconstructions of mass cells in Mweru primarily came from existing buildings present at the site today, which have remained largely unchanged and oral testimony from individuals in the local community.
Oral testimony from local community drew our attention to the fact that the original cell structures did not have windows, while the present-day structures do. This has been factored into the digital reconstructions as shown below.
Buildings as they look today
Contributing to the model
Do you have any thoughts, questions or comments to add to this reconstruction, let us know in the comment section below or email us at chao@africandigitalheritage.com
Software Programs used
- Software used for 3D modelling – Blender
- Software used for photogrammetry – Agisoft Photoscan
Model created by: Mike.K.Wakhame in collaboration with Chao Tayiana
