Michael Reid is the lead architect of Hamu Mukasa Library. Reid also designed the new Main Gate as well as the Kivengere and Maari blocks.
He has been an architect for over 15 years designing university and college structures like laboratories, lecture theatres and libraries in the US. He is a missionary in UCU who doubles as a lecturer in civil engineering and works in the planning office as an architect. Reid studied philosophy and art but majored in architecture because he wanted something more. He spoke to Timothy Murungi.

Q: What is the nature of your work?
A: I do not feel it is work because I am passionate about it, it feels like something I enjoy doing.
It’s a combination of being an artist and problem solving; you are dealing with issues of problem-solving.
Q: Is there anyone who inspired you into architecture?
A: No. It was more of an evolution. That is how I got into it.
Q: Could you give an overview of your work?
A: I saw architecture as a way to combine art and science. Since I had interest in service, I thought art, science and technology was a good way of applying skills of service.
Q: Through your work, what are you trying to find or express?
A: Architecture is like a social art, it should be in service of the general public. It should be functional, and express beauty. I always want to lift the spirit of those who use the building.
Q: What did you have in mind when you developed the concept of Hamu Mukasa Library?
A: I had to first understand the functional requirements of the library that the university needed and the architectural requirement of Uganda. I also had to look at the old buildings of the university. However, I did not want to imitate or compete; I needed to be different.
I wanted Hamu Mukasa Library to be inspiring, with a lot of natural light (This is something that raises people’s spirits).
I wanted enough air flow to keep the people cool. I wanted indoor and outdoor study space. I looked at examples from mediaeval designs at Cambridge and Oxford universities.
Q: Tell us about the design and structure of the library?
A: I thought of a style which is modern and a design that expresses the aspirations of a forward-looking university.
Q: Which of your work best expresses your vision or philosophy?
A: Hamu Mukasa Library! I was very pleased with the way it came out: There’s a lot of light, the air movement is good and the spaces seem very pleasing.
Q: Any milestones on the way?
A: I think the library is the structure I am most proud of. It is so far the major milestone. It is not the largest building I have done but the most significant.