The Learning Courtyard

Idea projektu

The core idea of this project is to create a sustainable and inclusive educational environment in rural Kashitu. It is inspired by the challenges of inadequate infrastructure, the need for climate-responsive design, and the importance of community participation. The project envisions a modular and expandable school campus constructed with local materials—primarily ICEB (Interlocking Stabilized Earth Blocks)—and supported by passive ventilation strategies such as elevated roofing.

The architectural approach is deeply rooted in the socio-cultural, environmental, and economic context of the region. The design aims to offer not only classrooms, but also a healing and supportive space for boarding students by promoting psychological comfort, natural lighting, green landscapes, and communal interaction.

This school is not just a building; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and transformation. It stands as a new gathering place where education empowers and uplifts the entire community.

Popis projektu

This project consists of several integrated components designed to support a sustainable and context-sensitive educational campus. The main area includes eight classrooms, two workshop rooms, flexible indoor and semi-open spaces, dormitory zones for boarding students, and shared outdoor courtyards. The spatial layout is organized to promote natural ventilation, daylighting, and easy orientation for children of different age groups.

The project also includes shaded outdoor gathering areas, service facilities, and a green buffer zone surrounding the site to ensure safety from wildlife and create a calming learning atmosphere. The entire structure is based on the ICEB (Interlocking Stabilized Earth Blocks) system, enabling low-cost, locally sourced construction. Elevated roofing enhances airflow and thermal comfort, while thick ICEB walls contribute to acoustic and psychological well-being.

This holistic spatial strategy not only supports formal education but also fosters creativity, social interaction, and community inclusion in a climate-responsive and culturally grounded environment.

Technické informace

1. Building System and Material:
The main load-bearing system is constructed using ICEB (Interlocking Stabilized Earth Blocks). This system can be produced with local soil, is environmentally friendly, low-cost and suitable for community participation in terms of labor.
The walls are designed as structural load-bearing and provide both heat and sound insulation.
The roofs consist of slightly inclined sheet metal panels raised with steel construction to support natural ventilation.
2. Passive Air Conditioning Strategies:
The raised roof form provides natural air circulation in the interior spaces.
The openable windows and semi-open passages on the opposite facades of the classrooms enable cross ventilation.
Eaves extensions, planted areas and screen systems are used for shading purposes.
South and east-oriented openings are at the forefront in the layout plan; daylight is effectively admitted to the interior spaces.
3. Spatial Organization:
The structures are designed as single-story blocks with a maximum floor height of 4 meters.
The project includes 8 classrooms, 2 workshop classrooms, multipurpose areas and dormitory zones for students.
Circulation lines are designed as closed and semi-open; passages are planned in a way that will not be blocked in rainy weather.
While students receive theoretical education in mixed age groups, workshops are planned with age-specific separation.
4. Capacity:
The structure is optimized for approximately 250 students, but can be expanded to 400 students.
The proportion of students staying as boarders is approximately 80%. For this reason, social areas and recreational areas are kept wide.
5. Security and Protection:
There is a stone belt, ICEB wall, surveillance road and green buffer zone around the campus. This system provides physical and visual protection against wild animals.
The main entrance is planned to be controllable and secure.
6. Sustainability and Water Management:
Rainwater collection systems are foreseen in the project (future implementation).
Green areas are designed to be compatible with local vegetation; maintenance requirements are minimal.
Materials are chosen to be low-carbon, locally produced or recyclable.
7. Community Participation:
ICEB production and construction processes are planned to be carried out with the participation of local people.
Open areas are designed to be used for social purposes by both the school and the surrounding community.

Dokumentace

Show PDF 1Show PDF 2Show PDF 3Show PDF 4